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Cervical Cancer Prevention Knowledge and Abnormal Pap Test Experiences Among Women Living with HIV/AIDS

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Abstract

Cervical cancer prevention knowledge deficits persist among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) despite increased risk of developing cervical dysplasia/cancer. We examined associations between WLHA’s cervical cancer prevention knowledge and abnormal Pap test history. We recruited 145 urban and rural WLHA from Ryan White-funded clinics and AIDS service organizations located in the southeastern USA between March 2011 and April 2012. For this analysis, women who reported a history of cervical cancer (n = 3) or had a complete hysterectomy (n = 14) and observations with missing data (n = 22) were excluded. Stata/IC 13 was used to perform cross-tabulations and chi-squared tests. Our sample included 106 predominantly non-Hispanic Black (92 %) WLHA. Mean age was 46.3 ± 10.9 years. Half (50 %) had ≤ high school education. One third (37 %) had low health literacy. The majority (83 %) had a Pap test <1 year ago, and 84 % knew that WLHA should have a Pap test every year, once two tests are normal. Many (68 %) have had an abnormal Pap test. Abnormal Pap test follow-up care knowledge varied. While 86 % knew follow-up care could include a repeat Pap test, only 56 % knew this could also include an HPV test. Significantly, more women who had an abnormal Pap test knew follow-up care could include a biopsy (p = 0.001). For WLHA to make informed/shared decisions about their cervical health, they need to be knowledgeable about cervical cancer care options across the cancer control continuum. Providing WLHA with prevention knowledge beyond screening recommendations seems warranted given their increased risk of developing cervical dysplasia/neoplasia.

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Acknowledgments

This research study was supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under an Administrative Supplements for Community-Engaged Research on HIV/AIDS-Related Cancers Among Underserved Populations (U01-CA114601-05S4/PI: Hébert/Project Leader:Wigfall), NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01CA175239/PI:Wigfall), and an Established Investigator Award in Cancer Prevention and Control (K05 CA136975/PI:Hébert). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NCI, NIH, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences or the Department of Defense.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    Lisa T. Wigfall & Saundra H. Glover

  2. Institute for Partnerships to Eliminate Health Disparities, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 220 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 103, Columbia, SC, 29210, USA

    Lisa T. Wigfall & Saundra H. Glover

  3. Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA

    Shalanda A. Bynum

  4. Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    Heather M. Brandt, Daniela B. Friedman & Donna L. Richter

  5. Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    Heather M. Brandt, Daniela B. Friedman & James R. Hébert

  6. College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, 99 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA

    Sharon M. Bond

  7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA

    Gweneth B. Lazenby

  8. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    James R. Hébert

Authors
  1. Lisa T. Wigfall
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  2. Shalanda A. Bynum
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  3. Heather M. Brandt
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  4. Daniela B. Friedman
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  5. Sharon M. Bond
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  6. Gweneth B. Lazenby
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  7. Donna L. Richter
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  8. Saundra H. Glover
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  9. James R. Hébert
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Correspondence to Lisa T. Wigfall.

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Wigfall, L.T., Bynum, S.A., Brandt, H.M. et al. Cervical Cancer Prevention Knowledge and Abnormal Pap Test Experiences Among Women Living with HIV/AIDS. J Canc Educ 30, 213–219 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-014-0688-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-014-0688-9

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