Abstract:
Objective: To determine the factors that increase the
chances of a woman in Accra having a Pap smear and
whether women who have recently visited clinics have
higher chances of having had Pap smears.
Design: A cross-sectional study
Methods: A representative sample of women in Accra,
Ghana was interviewed and the clinical and demographic
factors influencing cervical cancer screening
was assessed.
Results: Out of 1193 women with complete data, only
25 (2.1%) had ever had a Pap smear performed though
171 (14.3%) had their last outpatient clinic visit for
either a gynaecological consultation or a regular check
up. Simple logistic regression showed that a high educational
level, high socioeconomic status and a history
over the past month of postmenopausal or intermenstrual
bleeding significantly increased the odds of ever
having a pap smear. Neither monthly income nor last
clinic visit for a gynaecological consultation or regular
check up increased the odds of having a pap smear.
Multiple logistic regression showed that a high educational
level and experiencing postmenopausal or intermenstrual
bleeding were the most important determinants
of ever having a Pap smear.
Conclusion: While we wait for a national program for
cervical cancer screening, there is a need for clinicians
to put more individual effort into ensuring that asymptomatic
women are screened for cervical cancer.