Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116957

Amy Christian, MSPH¹, Claudia Hopenhayn, PhD, MPH², Heather Bush, MS, PhD candidate³, and W. Jay Christian, MPH¹. (1) Markey Cancer Control Program, University of Kentucky, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite B150, Lexington, KY 40504-3381, (859) 296-6630, ext. 227, amyc@acn.uky.edu, (2) Markey Cancer Control Program and College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite B150, Lexington, KY 40504-3381, (3) Department of Statistics, University of Kentucky, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite B150, Lexington, KY 40504-3381

Although the burden of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in the US decreased substantially during the 20th century due to widespread use of the Pap test, the incidence and mortality rates among Appalachian women, particularly Appalachian Kentucky women, remain elevated. Not only are the rates particularly high in the Appalachian region of the state, but within the region there are areas at particularly high risk. Based on input from interviews with community leaders, healthcare professionals and focus groups, we developed a survey to expand upon the limited cervical cancer screening questions included in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. To better understand the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to cervical cancer as a HPV-sexually-transmitted disease, as well as risk factors and screening methods, we conducted an in-depth telephone survey of 600 women in two Appalachian Kentucky counties with differing characteristics. Data show these two counties to have ICC incidence rates higher than the Appalachian KY average, yet they have different patterns of ICC mortality rates, and screening and smoking behaviors. Analyses of survey data will include comparisons of the two counties in relation to demographics, knowledge of Pap tests, screening history, barriers to screening, smoking behavior, knowledge of HPV as a necessary factor for developing ICC, and acceptability of alternative testing approaches. Results will provide insight into cervical cancer screening issues in an Appalachian area and allow for targeted intervention at the community level.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the knowledge and attitudes about cervical cancer screening and HPV in two Appalachian counties by demographic and socioeconomic factors.
• Discuss the acceptability of alternative testing approaches for cervical cancer and HPV.
• Integrate results into local interventions to improve cervical cancer screening rates.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, STD

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.