Socio-demographic predictors of cervical cancer screening behavior in Latinas in San Antonio, TX

Christina M Carmona, The University of Texas School of Public Health

Abstract

Background: In 2014, it is estimated that there will be 12,360 new cervical cancer (CC) cases, with Hispanic women accounting for a predicted 17% of these new cases [1]. The number of cervical cancer deaths estimated in 2014 from CC is 4,020 with 500 of those deaths among Hispanic women [2]. The availability of an early-detection screening procedure for CC-Pap test- makes CC one of the most preventable cancers in women [3]. Despite the existence of an accessible and effective screening test, Hispanic women have the second highest mortality rate from CC and the highest incidence rate of CC among women in the U.S [2, 4]. Methods: This analysis assesses the socio-demographic characteristics and CC screening behavior among a convenience sample (n=501) of Hispanic women. Univariate statistical analysis (i.e., x2 tests) were performed to ascertain the simple relations of the socio-demographic variables and CC screening behavior. A series of univariate logistic regression models were used to determine the crude associations between each socio-demographic variable and screened within the guidelines; odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values are reported. Results: Statistically significant differences in the proportion of women screened within guidelines and women not screened within guidelines in the study sample were noted in relation to: primary place of health care (X2 =36.38; p<0.00), time last saw doctor (X2 =72.7; p<0.00), being foreign born (X2=5.9; p<0.01); and speaking Spanish as the primary language (X2=6.5; p<0.01). The strongest predictor for receipt of screening within guidelines was having a place for health care; women who reported having a place for health care were 12.7 times as likely to have been screened for CC in the past 3 years. Conclusion: These results point to the importance and the need for outreach targeted to Hispanic women who are Spanish speaking, do not have a place of medical care, have not seen a doctor in the past two years, and are of foreign birth. Reaching out to females that have these characteristics could be critical in helping to increase the rates of CC screening.

Subject Area

Public health

Recommended Citation

Carmona, Christina M, "Socio-demographic predictors of cervical cancer screening behavior in Latinas in San Antonio, TX" (2014). Texas Medical Center Dissertations (via ProQuest). AAI1566302.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dissertations/AAI1566302

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