Abstract

Purpose: To examine women's preferences for cervical cancer screening frequency in a large, multiethnic urban medical practice

Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used. A convenience sample of women aged 33 to 60 (n = 250) completed a survey regarding cervical cancer risk and screening perceptions at a gynecologic visit. Information collected included the participant's current Pap frequency, opinion regarding appropriate Pap test intervals, and perceived risk of being personally diagnosed with cervical cancer. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to characterize the sample and examine associations between variables.

Results: Mean age was 44.1 years (SD = 8.4). More than 75% of the women identified as minority, less than 35% were married, and more than 55% had 4 years of college education or more. Eighty-two percent (n = 206) thought the possibility of their getting cervical cancer in the future was no chance to low chance. Most participants (n = 221, 88.4%) believed that women their age should have a Pap annually, which was significantly associated with unwillingness to accept a longer screening interval. Non-Caucasian ethnicity, one year or less since their last pap, and next expected pap falling within one year also significantly influenced women's reluctance to extend the time between screenings.

Most women (n = 170, 68%) indicated they would prefer to continue annual screening even if their provider suggested screening every three years. Of these women, 90% reported early cancer detection as the reason for wanting annual screening; other reasons given were personal history of abnormal Pap, fear and anxiety, family history, and concern about exposure with a new partner.

Patient acceptance of the changes in cervical cancer screening recommendations has been slow. The findings of this study demonstrate a gap between implementation of evidence-based guidelines and actual practice. This reinforces the need for patient education about human papillomavirus and the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, especially in light of continuing changes in technologies and guidelines for cervical cancer screening.

Author Details

Meredith Hudes-Lowder, DNP, RN, WHNP-BC; Elizabeth Cole Collins, PhD, WHNP-BC, IBCLC

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Descriptive/Correlational

Research Approach

Quantitative Research

Keywords:

Cervical Cancer, Cancer Screening, Urban Areas

Conference Name

19th Annual NPWH Premier Women's Healthcare Conference

Conference Year

2016

Conference Location

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Conference Host

Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health

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Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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