Select demographic factors that predict cervical cancer screenings in Ohio women with disabilities

Background: Cervical cancer screening (CCS) rates are lower for women with disabilities than for the general population. The purpose of this project was to describe cervical cancer screening rates in women with disabilities, living in Ohio, and explore the relationship of select demographic factors to cervical cancer screening participation. Methods: A chart audit of 350 randomly selected women, ages 20-80, enrolled in a statewide home care waiver program was completed. Results: Less than half of the women (45.4%) had obtained a CCS within the last 3 years, compared to a rate of 84.1% for the general population of women in Ohio. Level of disability had a significant relationship with (p< 0.05) with cervical cancer screening utilization. Controlling for age and third party insurance, the odds of being screened decreased 20% with each activity of daily living (ADL) requiring assistance (OR=0.815, 95% CI = .696 - .953). Marital status, geographic location, and race had no significant relationship to CCS. Conclusions: This study supports previous research indicating that extent of disability has a predictive relationship to cervical cancer screening utilization. Future research should continue to explore possible reasons for the lower rate of utilization of CCS by women with disabilities, including the role that the primary care physician plays in this behavior.