Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the most common and lethal cancer among Mexican women, yet is also one of the most treatable malignancies given early detection. This study aimed to determine predictors of adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines among women working in Monterrey, Mexico.
Methods: Cases (n = 94) were sexually active female store clerks ages 18–64 not adherent to Official Mexican Standard cervical cancer screening guidelines, while controls (n = 135) were adherent to guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed knowledge factors and perceptions associated with adherence.
Results: Having no or inaccurate knowledge of screening guidelines (OR = 11.1, 95%CI: 4.3, 28.5) and no knowledge of Pap exam utility (OR = 6.8, 95%CI: 1.0, 46.4) were associated with screening guideline non-adherence. Perceptions of fear/embarrassment (OR = 16.2, 95%CI: 5.1, 51.5) and lower levels of spousal/partner acceptance (OR = 5.8, 95%CI: 1.3, 25.3) of the Pap exam were associated with screening guideline non-adherence. Results were adjusted for age at initiation of sexual activity, civil status, level of education, use of family planning/birth control, and income.
Conclusions: Identification of knowledge and sociocultural factors that predict screening guideline adherence can inform population-specific recommendations to increase screening and reduce cervical cancer morbidity and mortality among employed Mexican women.
Second AACR International Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities— Feb 3–6, 2009; Carefree, AZ