141st APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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286798
Acceptability of self-administered pap smears among substance abusing populations


Monday, November 4, 2013

Saritha Bangara, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
Monique Shuler, MS, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
Raquel Y. Qualls-Hampton, PhD, MS, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
Martha Felini, DC, PhD, Department of Ob/Gyn, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Fort Worth, TX
Background: Prior studies have revealed high acceptability rates for using self-administered Pap smears as an alternative in populations where barriers may prevent access to conventional in-office cervical screening examinations. However, few studies to date have examined whether this self-screening tool would be an option among indigent women engaging in high-risk behaviors.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the acceptability of self-administered Pap smears among women in treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders at the Nexus Recovery Center, Dallas's largest female substance abuse treatment center.

Methodology: Six focus groups (N=48 women) were conducted among women participating in treatment at the Nexus Recovery Center. A separate focus group was conducted among members of our project advisory board (medical professionals, social workers, and recovering addicts) who guided the research. A mixed methods approach was used to analyze the data and identify themes from participants' responses.

Results: In assessing the participants' utilization of cervical cancer screenings, 30 (63%) had a Pap smear in the last two years. Preliminary analysis suggests that the acceptability of self-administered Pap smears in our study population is low.

Conclusion: The low acceptability of self-administered Pap tests in our study population is due to a perceived lack of trust in the effectiveness of this tool. This finding will be considered when developing a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive cervical cancer education program that can be integrated into substance abuse treatment centers as part of this project.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Assess the acceptability of self-administered Pap tests among a high risk subset of women with substance abuse issues.

Keyword(s): Cervical Cancer, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: The confluence of my research experiences in cancer epidemiology will stand me in good stead with regard to my current presentation. I have been a project manager on a cancer epidemiology study for five years investigating occupational-related cancers and have successfully co-authored three publications. I have also been involved in gastric cancer research among indigent populations and presented at the prestigious Digestive Disease Week conference.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3086.0: Global and Cultural Issues in Cancer Prevention and Control