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Nursing Open May 2022The study examines limiting factors associated with cervical cancer Pap smear screening among participants of reproductive age attending a healthcare facility in Namibia.
AIM
The study examines limiting factors associated with cervical cancer Pap smear screening among participants of reproductive age attending a healthcare facility in Namibia.
DESIGN
A cross-sectional descriptive and exploratory study was conducted.
METHODS
The data were collected using a face-to-face interview (qualitative) and a structured questionnaire (quantitative). A total of 49 participants (10 qualitative and 39 quantitative) aged 17-45 years participated in the study.
RESULTS
The study revealed that 80% of participants have limited knowledge of cervical cancer, while 49% have never done the test before and 8% were not informed of the screening and risk of the disease. Furthermore, 49% of participants responded that the screening fees are not affordable. Meanwhile, all participants (100%) complained of the long waiting period. Other main barriers for not screening were missed announcements and unsuitable time allocation. Knowledge on cervical cancer and turn-up for Pap smear screening test was low among participants of reproductive age.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Papanicolaou Test; Perception; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 35243808
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1196 -
Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia =... 2016In Brazil, in 2012, 6.4% of the prison population was made up of women. The aim of the study was to verify the coverage of the Pap smear according to sociodemographic...
In Brazil, in 2012, 6.4% of the prison population was made up of women. The aim of the study was to verify the coverage of the Pap smear according to sociodemographic characteristics and health problems reported among incarcerated women. Cross-sectional study conducted from August 2012 to July 2013, considering the records of 702 inmates aged between 25 and 64 years and the duration of imprisonment (not less than 12 months). The average age of the women surveyed was 34.7 years. The performance of cervical cytology was reported by 26.3% of inmates. There were no difference in prevalence according to selected variables. The containment condition enables the implementation of preventive measures such as offering and realization of Pap smear for most inmates. The observed results are worrying and differ significantly from those presented in the national diagnosis on the health of incarcerated women.
Topics: Adult; Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Papanicolaou Test; Prisoners
PubMed: 27849280
DOI: 10.1590/1980-5497201600030017 -
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia E... Feb 2022To determine the accuracy of colposcopy findings in diagnosing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women with an atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude...
OBJECTIVE
To determine the accuracy of colposcopy findings in diagnosing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women with an atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) pap smear result and analyze whether the prevalence of HSIL and cancer correlates with sociodemographic risk factors and specific colposcopic findings.
METHODS
Colposcopic findings and sociodemographic risk factors were analyzed as possible predictors of a CIN 2 or worse diagnosis in women with an ASC-H pap smear result.
RESULTS
Accuracy of the colposcopic impression was 92%, sensitivity was 91.6%, and specificity was 93.1%, with a positive predictive value of 96.4% and negative predictive value of 84.3%. Diagnosis of CIN 2 or worse was more frequent in patients with a previous history of cervical dysplasia and pre-menopausal patients. Identification of major colposcopic findings, dense acetowhite epithelium, coarse mosaicism, and punctuation correlated significantly with CIN 2 or worse.
CONCLUSION
Colposcopy performed by an experienced examiner can accurately differentiate patients with CIN 1 or less from patients with CIN 2 or worse. Diagnosis of CIN 2 or worse was more frequent in patients with a previous history of cervical dysplasia and pre-menopausal patients. The degree of acetowhite changes was the best colposcopic feature to predict CIN2 or worse.
Topics: Colposcopy; Female; Humans; Papanicolaou Test; Pregnancy; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaginal Smears; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia
PubMed: 35213916
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742289 -
Journal of Women's Health (2002) Aug 2022Pap smear has a central role in cervical cancer screening. Previous studies have found that female patients with disabilities are less likely to receive a Pap smear as...
Pap smear has a central role in cervical cancer screening. Previous studies have found that female patients with disabilities are less likely to receive a Pap smear as recommended by guidelines. The aim of our study was to examine the association between physical disability and Pap smear receipt in Israel. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the electronic medical records of the second largest health care maintenance organization in Israel. All female patients during 2012-2017 aged 25-65 were identified. The exposure variable was physical disability, and the outcome variable was Pap smear receipt. We used logistic regression to control for covariates. A total of 391,259 patients were eligible for this study, 6,720 (1.7%) with physical disability. 56.7% of patients with disabilities had received Pap smear compared to 63.3% of patients without disabilities, odds ratio (OR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.80. When adjusting to sociodemographic and clinical covariates, patients with disabilities were less likely to receive Pap smear, adjusted OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.79-0.88. For all patients, older age, lower socioeconomic status, religious minorities, cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, and obesity were associated with lower odds of receipt of Pap smear. A history of nongynecologic oncologic disease was associated with increased odds of Pap smear receipt. Our study highlights the disparities between patients with and without physical disability with regard to screening for cervical cancer by receipt of Pap smear. Creating an appropriate practice with adequate access to patients with disability should be a focus for health care providers and policy makers.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Mass Screening; Papanicolaou Test; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaginal Smears
PubMed: 35072543
DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0447 -
The Medical Journal of Malaysia Feb 2019Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in women worldwide. The Pap smear test is the primary screening procedure used to detect abnormal cells that may develop...
INTRODUCTION
Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in women worldwide. The Pap smear test is the primary screening procedure used to detect abnormal cells that may develop into cancer.
OBJECTIVES
This study analysed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of working women in Kedah state, Malaysia, about cervical cancer and Pap smear tests and the associations of knowledge, attitudes and practices with socio-demographic factors.
METHODS
This cross-sectional questionnaire study analysed knowledge, attitudes and practices among 210 female entrepreneurs who received funding from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) in Kedah state. Women were included if they were married or previously married, aged 20-65 years and had not been diagnosed with cervical cancer.
RESULTS
Most subjects could not recall common symptoms of cervical cancer, such as bleeding between periods, and did not know or were unsure of the suitable age for Pap smear tests and the interval between tests. Although most subjects agreed that Pap smear tests were necessary, some gave priority to other issues. About half (55.2%) had undergone Pap smear tests, but only 38.6% had been tested within the previous five years. Use of hormonal contraceptives, higher knowledge score, and higher attitude score were associated with Pap smear testing within the previous 5 years.
CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge regarding cervical cancer and Pap smear testing and attitudes toward testing were poor among most participants. These factors were significantly associated with lack of actual testing.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Papanicolaou Test; Surveys and Questionnaires; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Young Adult
PubMed: 30846655
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Women's Health Jan 2018Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue in Xinjiang China. In order to provide scientific basis for cervical cancer intervention in Xinjiang, women's...
BACKGROUND
Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue in Xinjiang China. In order to provide scientific basis for cervical cancer intervention in Xinjiang, women's knowledge of cervical cancer was investigated in this study. Besides, relations between Uyghur women's awareness and their age, educational background, yearly household were evaluated.
METHODS
Questionnaire survey was conducted to 7100 Uyghur women from Karkax Hotan and Payzivat Kashgar during 2008 and 2009. Women aged 21 to 70 years, had sexual activity, no history of cervical lesion or cervical cancer were considered to be eligible to the study. Information include participants' socio-demographic background, personal data, awareness about Pap smear, about cervical cancer and HPV, sources of information acquisition was investigated.
RESULTS
65.1% of the 7100 respondents with primary education level, and 95.0% participants were farmers. Only 7.4% had undertaken Pap smears before, not aware of the importance of the test (97.4% of 7100) was the main reason for not performing Pap smears. 29.3% of total participants had heard about cervical cancer, and only 0.14% (10 out of 7100) had heard about HPV. Top three route of knowledge acquire were television advertises (39.1%), neighbors (21.0%) and health care providers (15.0%). Women younger than 40 years, with higher educational levels and higher income had better awareness of cervical cancer and more willing to accept regular Pap smears.
CONCLUSIONS
Uyghur women in Xinjiang had poor knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV infection. Low awareness of women was associated with less household income and lower educational levels. TV shows and education from health care providers may increase women's participation in cervical cancer control and prevention.
Topics: Adult; Aged; China; Ethnicity; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Middle Aged; Papanicolaou Test; Surveys and Questionnaires; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaginal Smears; Young Adult
PubMed: 29343254
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-018-0512-5 -
Biomedical Engineering Online Feb 2019Cervical cancer is preventable if effective screening measures are in place. Pap-smear is the commonest technique used for early screening and diagnosis of cervical...
BACKGROUND
Cervical cancer is preventable if effective screening measures are in place. Pap-smear is the commonest technique used for early screening and diagnosis of cervical cancer. However, the manual analysis of the pap-smears is error prone due to human mistake, moreover, the process is tedious and time-consuming. Hence, it is beneficial to develop a computer-assisted diagnosis tool to make the pap-smear test more accurate and reliable. This paper describes the development of a tool for automated diagnosis and classification of cervical cancer from pap-smear images.
METHOD
Scene segmentation was achieved through a Trainable Weka Segmentation classifier and a sequential elimination approach was used for debris rejection. Feature selection was achieved using simulated annealing integrated with a wrapper filter, while classification was achieved using a fuzzy C-means algorithm.
RESULTS
The evaluation of the classifier was carried out on three different datasets (single cell images, multiple cell images and pap-smear slide images from a pathology lab). Overall classification accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of '98.88%, 99.28% and 97.47%', '97.64%, 98.08% and 97.16%' and '95.00%, 100% and 90.00%' were obtained for each dataset, respectively. The higher accuracy and sensitivity of the classifier was attributed to the robustness of the feature selection method that accurately selected cell features that improved the classification performance and the number of clusters used during defuzzification and classification. Results show that the method outperforms many of the existing algorithms in sensitivity (99.28%), specificity (97.47%), and accuracy (98.88%) when applied to the Herlev benchmark pap-smear dataset. False negative rate, false positive rate and classification error of 0.00%, 10.00% and 5.00%, respectively were obtained when applied to pap-smear slides from a pathology lab.
CONCLUSIONS
The major contribution of this tool in a cervical cancer screening workflow is that it reduces on the time required by the cytotechnician to screen very many pap-smears by eliminating the obvious normal ones, hence more time can be put on the suspicious slides. The proposed system has the capability of analyzing a full pap-smear slide within 3 min as opposed to the 5-10 min per slide in the manual analysis. The tool presented in this paper is applicable to many pap-smear analysis systems but is particularly pertinent to low-cost systems that should be of significant benefit to developing economies.
Topics: Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Fuzzy Logic; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Papanicolaou Test; Sensitivity and Specificity; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 30755214
DOI: 10.1186/s12938-019-0634-5 -
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health Aug 2021African immigrant (AI) women remain burdened by cervical cancer, but the prevalence and correlates of Pap testing remains unclear in this population. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
African immigrant (AI) women remain burdened by cervical cancer, but the prevalence and correlates of Pap testing remains unclear in this population.
OBJECTIVE
To review studies on the prevalence and determinants of Pap testing among AI women living in developed countries.
METHODS
PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus were searched for relevant articles that included African-born immigrant participants; were published in English; addressed the prevalence of Pap testing; conducted in a developed country; and identified correlates of Pap testing behavior. The Andersen Behavioral Model guided synthesis of the key findings.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of Pap testing ranged from 4.6% to 73.0%. Having a female provider and access to primary care facilitated Pap testing. Barriers to Pap testing included low income, male healthcare providers, and no history of gynecological exam.
CONCLUSIONS
Healthcare providers and social determinants-particularly income and healthcare access, play an important role in improving Pap testing among AI women. Larger qualitative and mixed methods studies are needed to explore other important determinants of Pap testing such as disease knowledge, self-efficacy, health literacy to reduce the burden of cervical cancer among AI women.
Topics: Developed Countries; Early Detection of Cancer; Emigrants and Immigrants; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Papanicolaou Test; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaginal Smears
PubMed: 33165711
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01119-x -
Frontiers in Public Health 2021Video-based interventions have the potential to contribute to long-lasting improvements in health-seeking behaviours. Ghana's upsurge rate of information and...
Video-based interventions have the potential to contribute to long-lasting improvements in health-seeking behaviours. Ghana's upsurge rate of information and communication technology usage presents an opportunity to improve the awareness of HPV vaccination and screening rates of cervical cancer among women in Ghana. This research aimed to assess the impact of video-based educational intervention centred on the Health Belief and Transtheoretical Models of behavioural changes in promoting HPV vaccination, cervical carcinoma awareness and willingness to have Pap smear test (PST) among women in Ghana. To achieve the intended sample size, convenient, purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used. SPSS v. 23.0 was used in the data analysis. Percentages and frequencies were used to represent participants' demographic characteristics, knowledge of (1) cervical carcinoma, (2) human papillomavirus vaccine, and (3) Pap smear test. The chi-square test by McNemar was employed to evaluate variations in the post- and pre-intervention responses. A -value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The level of significance was adjusted owing to multiple comparisons by using the Bonferroni's correction. Before the intervention, 84.2% of the participant had some knowledge or information about cervical cancer, but after the intervention, 100% of the participant became aware of cervical cancer which represents 15.8% increment at a < .001. The willingness to have a pap smear test increased from 35.8% to 94.2% (df = 58.4%, < .001) after the educational intervention. The willingness to be vaccinated increased from 47.5% to 81.7% (df = 34.2%, < .001) after the educational intervention. Six months after the intervention, participants were followed-up. 253 (42.2%) participants had gone for cervical cancer screening (Pap smear test) while 347 (57.8%) participants had not been screened. In terms of HPV vaccination, 192 participants (32.0%) had begun their HPV vaccination cycle. The study results show that health education, using videos, may be influential in perception changing, self-efficacy improvement and the understanding of cervical carcinoma screening and HPV vaccination.
Topics: Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Ghana; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Papanicolaou Test; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 34307280
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.681319 -
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva Sep 2019This paper reviews the limiting factors and facilitators of access to Brazilian cervical cancer care public health services. This review employed bibliographic database... (Review)
Review
This paper reviews the limiting factors and facilitators of access to Brazilian cervical cancer care public health services. This review employed bibliographic database Medline (interface with the Virtual Health Library/BVS and PubMed) and Lilacs / SciELO portals. We sought publications for the period 2011-2016 based on the use of specific terms from the sources consulted, regarding "cervical neoplasms" and "access to health services". We found 704 papers initially, which were shortlisted to 31 following adopted criteria, which were further reduced to 19 papers to make up the final selection. Access facilitating aspects such as wide coverage of the Pap smear test and coverage of biopsies equivalent to the number of altered prevention tests were mentioned. However, access limiting aspects such as inadequate Pap smear's periodicity, difficulties in scheduling appointments and exams, high rate of advanced staging and delays in diagnosis and treatment onset were also reported.
Topics: Biopsy; Brazil; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Papanicolaou Test; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaginal Smears
PubMed: 31508761
DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232018249.32592017