Clinic Visits and Cervical Cancer Screening in Accra
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Date
2010-06
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ghana Medical Journal
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.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening, Pap smear, Accra, Ghana