Predictors underlying disparities of cervical cancer screening among women in the United States: Health policy implications

Background:

In the United States, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection; an estimated 6.2 million persons are infected every year. HPV is known to cause cervical cancer, and gaps exist in both incidence and mortality of cervical cancer between African American (AA) and European American (EA) women in the US. Adherence with screening recommendations can increase chances of survival, yet the factors that influence screening behaviors in women are not well documented.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to examine the predictors and factors underlying disparities and the utilization cervical cancer screening among women in the United States.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective study and secondary data analysis of the 2005 National Health Interview Survey. To address multi-stage data from NHIS, SAS callable SUDAAN was utilized. Parametric testing using Univariate/Bivariate/Multivariate analysis was performed to examine the predictors of cervical cancer screening among women in the United States. To construct models, stepwise regression procedure was used and the significant p-value<.05.

Results:

Many women had a Pap Smear because they were experiencing a problem (62%). The majority of the women had an abnormal Pap Smear, but did not have a follow-up exam (53%).

Discussion:

Recommendations have been established to increase cervical cancer screening among women. The recommendations should be considered as policies to address the disparities in HPV/cervical cancer screening. Policies that create prevention strategies should be strengthened, improved, and implemented more broadly in order to improve the utilization of cervical cancer screening test.