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Garpenhag L, Dahlman D. Barriers to and facilitators of screening for cervical and breast cancer: Experiences of non-adherent women with current or previous drug use. Prev Med Rep 2024; 39:102641. [PMID: 38370982 PMCID: PMC10869932 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Women with current or previous drug use (WCPDU) have an increased risk of poor cervical and breast cancer outcomes, and low participation in screening for these cancer forms. The aim of this study was to assess self-reported barriers to and facilitators of cervical and breast cancer screening, among WCPDU. Methods A survey based on results from a previous qualitative study about WCPDUs experiences of cancer screening was distributed to WCPDU at six opioid agonist treatment (OAT) clinics and one needle exchange program (NEP) in Malmö, Sweden, and through the Drug Users Union in Stockholm, Sweden. Data on barriers to and facilitators of cancer screening reported by 222 non-adherent WCPDU was analyzed by descriptive statistics. The barriers were structured according to an established model of healthcare access. Results The most frequently reported barriers to cervical as well as breast cancer screening were non-receipt of screening invitations (36 % and 25 %, respectively), trouble remembering the appointment (27 % and 30 %) and other priorities (26 % and 29 %). Common suggested facilitators for both cervical and breast cancer screening were screening access at, e.g., a NEP or OAT clinic (45 % and 40 %) and practical support to attend the screening appointment (40 % and 38 %). Conclusions In contrast to general population women, WCPDU report mainly practical barriers to cervical and breast cancer screening. However, NEP participants frequently reported experience of stigma and poor reception as barriers to screening. Interventions to minimize barriers to screening are crucial to decrease the increased cancer morbidity and mortality among WCPDU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Garpenhag
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research Center/CRC, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC I12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research Center/CRC, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC I12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
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Garpenhag L, Dahlman D. Screening for breast and cervical cancer among OST patients: a qualitative study of barriers and suggested interventions to increase participation. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2175767. [PMID: 36756664 PMCID: PMC9930823 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2175767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Women with current or previous drug use are at risk of poor breast and cervical cancer outcomes. While screening is known to decrease cancer mortality, screening participation is sparsely investigated among drug dependent women. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of breast and cervical cancer screening-including barriers and suggested interventions to promote increased participation-among women in opioid substitution treatment (OST). METHODS Three focus group interviews were conducted at one OST clinic in Malmö, Sweden. The interviews were moderated by OST staff, assisted by a researcher. A descriptive qualitative analysis was carried out using a template analysis approach, employing a model of healthcare access to organize the description of barriers. RESULTS The 11 participants reported several barriers to screening access, affecting the perceived need of screening and the opportunities to seek and reach screening services. Some barriers appear to be specific to women with previous or current drug use. Suggested interventions were moral and practical support, integrated/specialized delivery of screening services, and enhanced screening invitation procedures. CONCLUSIONS The study findings provide insight to difficulties with screening compliance among women with current or previous drug use, and provide a knowledge base for quantitative and intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Garpenhag
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden,CONTACT Lars Garpenhag Clinical Research Center, Centrum för primärvårdsforskning, Box 50322, 202 13, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Garpenhag L, Dahlman D. Participation in screening for breast and cervical cancer among women with current or previous drug use: a survey study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:352. [PMID: 36797737 PMCID: PMC9936631 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15236-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with current or previous drug use (WCPDU) have an increased risk of poor breast and cervical cancer outcomes. Screening is known to decrease the mortality of these common cancer forms, but screening participation has been sparsely investigated among women with drug dependency. The aim of this study was to assess participation in screening for breast and cervical cancer among WCPDU. METHODS We recruited WCPDU to a survey study, from six opioid substitution treatment (OST) clinics and one needle exchange program (NEP) in Malmö, Sweden, and through the Drug Users Union in Stockholm, Sweden. The survey was constructed according to results from focus group discussions about cancer screening in a sample of women in OST. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. We analyzed associations between non-compliance to screening and healthcare contact (OST, NEP or none) by logistic regression analysis; unadjusted and adjusted for age, native language, housing situation, educational attainment and main source of income. RESULTS A total of 298 women (median age 43 years) responded to the survey. The self-reported compliance with cancer screening recommendations was 29% for breast cancer screening and 41% for cervical cancer screening. Non-compliance with cervical cancer screening was associated with NEP participation in univariate but not multivariate analysis. We did not find an association between non-compliance with breast cancer screening and healthcare contact. Non-compliance with screening for cervical cancer was also associated with unstable housing in univariate and multivariate analyses, and inversely associated with increasing age in a univariate analysis. Non-compliance with breast cancer was associated with unstable housing in a univariate analysis, and inversely associated with not having Swedish as a native language in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION The self-reported compliance with the national cancer screening programs for breast cancer and cervical cancer of WCPDU is notably lower than in the Swedish general population. Women with unstable housing seem to be particularly vulnerable to non-compliance with cancer screening. Interventions to minimize barriers to cancer screening are crucial to decrease the increased cancer morbidity and mortality among WCPDU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Garpenhag
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden. .,Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Spinella S, McCune N, McCarthy R, El-Tahch M, George J, Dorritie M, Ford A, Posteraro K, DiNardo D. WVSUD-PACT: a Primary-Care-Based Substance Use Disorder Team for Women Veterans. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:837-841. [PMID: 36042085 PMCID: PMC9481786 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07577-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Spinella
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA. .,VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, USA.
| | - Nicole McCune
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, USA.,Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, USA
| | | | - Maria El-Tahch
- Primary Care Mental Health Integration, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | | | - Alyssa Ford
- Primary Care Mental Health Integration, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | - Deborah DiNardo
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA.,VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, USA
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Mkuu RS, Staras SA, Szurek SM, D'Ingeo D, Gerend MA, Goede DL, Shenkman EA. Clinicians' perceptions of barriers to cervical cancer screening for women living with behavioral health conditions: a focus group study. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:252. [PMID: 35264120 PMCID: PMC8905024 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women with behavioral health (BH) conditions (e.g., mental illness and substance abuse) receive fewer cervical cancer (CC) screenings, are diagnosed at more advanced cancer stages, and are less likely to receive specialized treatments. The aim of this study was to identify barriers that healthcare providers face in providing CC screening to women with BH conditions. Methods Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we conducted four focus groups in North Florida with 26 primary care and BH clinicians and staff to examine perceived barriers to CC screening among their patients with BH conditions to guide the future development of a tailored cervical cancer screening and follow-up intervention. Thematic analysis was used to analyze verbatim transcripts from audiotaped focus groups. Results Three main themes of barriers emerged from the data: 1) BH conditions related barriers included a history of trauma, stigma and discrimination, and uncontrolled comorbid conditions, 2) System level barriers related to lack of integration between BH and primary care, and 3) Similar barriers to the general population including lack of health insurance, insufficient processes to send out reminders, and challenges with communicating with patients. Conclusions Tailored CC screening interventions that address the unique needs of women with BH conditions are needed. Strategies that address improving trust between patients and healthcare providers, identifying avenues to improve receipt of screening during time-limited clinical visits, connecting BH and primary care providers, and addressing the social determinants of health have potential to improve CC screening rates for women with BH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahma S Mkuu
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Stephanie A Staras
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Sarah M Szurek
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Dalila D'Ingeo
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Mary A Gerend
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4300, USA
| | - Dianne L Goede
- Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1549 Gale Lemerand Drive, 4th Floor, Suite 4592, Gainesville, FL, 32610-3008, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Shenkman
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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Pourette D, Cripps A, Guerrien M, Desprès C, Opigez E, Bardou M, Dumont A. Assessing the Acceptability of Home-Based HPV Self-Sampling: A Qualitative Study on Cervical Cancer Screening Conducted in Reunion Island Prior to the RESISTE Trial. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1380. [PMID: 35326530 PMCID: PMC8946624 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates are 2 to 3 times higher in the overseas department of Reunion compared with mainland France. RESISTE's cluster-randomized controlled trial aims to test the effectiveness of home-based self-sampling (HBSS) through a high-risk oncogenic papillomavirus test sent out by post to women who have not been screened in the past 3 years, despite having been invited to do so through a reminder letter. Prior to the trial, qualitative research was carried out to understand screening barriers and assess anticipated acceptability. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 women and 20 healthcare providers. Providers consider HBSS a viable method in reaching women who tend not to visit a doctor regularly, or who are reluctant to undergo a smear pap, as well as those who are geographically isolated. They considered, however, that women would require support, and that outreach was necessary to ensure more socially isolated women participate. The majority of the women surveyed were in favour of HBSS. However, two-thirds voiced concerns regarding the test's efficiency and their ability to perform the test correctly, without harming themselves. Based on these findings, recommendations were formulated to reassure women on usage and quality, and to help reach socially isolated women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolorès Pourette
- IRD, Ceped (IRD, Université de Paris, Inserm), 75006 Paris, France; (E.O.); (A.D.)
| | - Amber Cripps
- Ethno Logik, 97435 Saint Gilles les Hauts, La Reunion, France;
| | | | - Caroline Desprès
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Inserm, Laboratoire ETREs, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Eric Opigez
- IRD, Ceped (IRD, Université de Paris, Inserm), 75006 Paris, France; (E.O.); (A.D.)
| | - Marc Bardou
- CIC1432, CHU Dijon-Bourgogne et Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Alexandre Dumont
- IRD, Ceped (IRD, Université de Paris, Inserm), 75006 Paris, France; (E.O.); (A.D.)
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Eastment MC, Gupta A, James J, Richardson BA, Pinder L, Kim HN, Wald A, Tsui JI. Cervical cancer screening, abnormal results, and follow-up in women with substance use-related diagnoses. Subst Abus 2022; 43:925-931. [PMID: 35289732 PMCID: PMC9632608 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.2010257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Substance use-related diagnoses are common and associated with poor health outcomes. The objective of this analysis was to compare rates of cervical cancer screening, screening abnormalities, and follow-up care in women with and without a substance use-related diagnosis seen for primary care between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019 in the University of Washington healthcare system. Methods: This study included women aged 21-65 years of age who had at least one outpatient visit between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019 within one of 45 primary care or women's health clinics in the academic healthcare system. Exposure status was defined using ICD10 codes for substance-use related diagnoses or no substance-use related diagnoses. Only first cervical cancer screening was included. Generalized linear models with a binomial family and log link were used to estimate risk ratios. Results: 3845 women had a substance use-related diagnosis and 89214 did not. Women with a substance use-related diagnosis were less likely to be screened for cervical cancer (44%, 1675/3845) compared to women without a substance use-related diagnosis (49%, 43338/89214; relative risk [RR] 0.90, 95% CI 0.86-0.93). Women with a substance use-related diagnosis were also more likely to have an abnormal screening result (18%, 304/1675) compared to women without a substance use-related diagnosis (10%, 4528/43338; RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.56-1.93). Follow-up for abnormal screens did not differ significantly between groups (24 vs 25%; RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.55-1.17). Conclusion: To combat disparities in cervical cancer screening for women with substance use-related diagnoses, public health efforts should expand access to screening where women with substance use-related diagnoses are seen, including acute care, inpatient hospitalizations, and addiction treatment settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayushi Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jocelyn James
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Barbra A Richardson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Leeya Pinder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - H Nina Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anna Wald
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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8
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Gibson B, Hoff E, Haas A, Adams ZM, Price CR, Goddard-Eckrich D, Sheth SS, Dasgupta A, Meyer JP. Overlapping needs for sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention in women with substance use disorders. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 18:17455065211070543. [PMID: 35023410 PMCID: PMC8771433 DOI: 10.1177/17455065211070543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Women with substance use disorders have high unmet needs for HIV prevention and drug treatment and face challenges accessing care for other unique health issues, including their sexual and reproductive health. METHODS We did a cross-sectional evaluation of sexual and reproductive health behaviors and outcomes among women with substance use disorders, who were enrolled in one of two concurrent clinical trials of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. Descriptive analyses and bivariate logistic regression were used to assess factors driving contraceptive use, and other essential sexual and reproductive health services utilization and outcomes. RESULTS Among 226 women, 173 (76.5%) were of reproductive age. Most women had histories of unintended pregnancy (79.2%) or miscarriage (45.1%) and high HIV risk behaviors (53.5%). Most (61%) participants did not use any form of contraception at the time of assessment, although few (15%) reported pregnancy intentions. In bivariate models, ongoing criminal justice involvement was associated with 2.22 higher odds of not using contraception (95% confidence interval = 1.09-4.53; p = 0.03) and hazardous drinking was protective against not using contraception (odds ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval = 0.13-0.81; p = 0.02). Contraception use was not significantly associated with any other individual characteristics or need factors. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study that identifies the unmet sexual and reproductive health needs of women with substance use disorders who are engaging with pre-exposure prophylaxis. We found that women accessed some health services but not in a way that holistically addresses the full scope of their needs. Integrated sexual and reproductive care should align women's expressed sexual and reproductive health intentions with their behaviors and outcomes, by addressing social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britton Gibson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Emily Hoff
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alissa Haas
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Dawn Goddard-Eckrich
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sangini S Sheth
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anindita Dasgupta
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaimie P Meyer
- AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Exploring the Linkages between Substance Use, Natural Disasters, Pandemics, and Intimate Partner Violence against Women: A Rapid Review in the Context of COVID-19. SEXES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes2040040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, with potentially enduring effects on women’s health. A rapid review was conducted on IPV and women’s substance use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid review explored two separate research questions with a view to integrate the literature related to: (1) containment, social isolation, pandemics, disasters, lockdowns, and IPV; and (2) the relationships between substance use and IPV. Two different searches for each question were conducted between May and October 2020 and n = 47 articles were included. Women experience multiple physical and mental health consequences related to IPV that can be exacerbated by public health crises such as pandemics and disasters. Perpetrators may use these events as a tactic to threaten, isolate, or use coercive control. Similar tactics are reported in the complex relationship between IPV and substance use, where substance use can accompany IPV and/or be used as a coping mechanism for survivors. The findings highlight long standing women’s health concerns made further visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional research is needed to identify actions required to reduce gender inequities and harms associated with IPV and substance use, and to adequately tailor and prepare effective responses in the context of future public health crises.
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10
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Dahlman D, Li X, Magnusson H, Sundquist J, Sundquist K. Cervical cancer among Swedish women with drug use disorders: A nationwide epidemiological study. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 160:742-747. [PMID: 33390327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cervical cancer incidence and mortality has decreased after introduction of national screening in Sweden, but women with drug use disorders (DUD) are less likely to participate in screening programs. We aimed to investigate cervical cancer incidence and mortality among women with DUD compared to the general female population in Sweden. METHODS We conducted a cohort study based on Swedish national register data for the period January 1997-December 2015. Data was collected for 3,838,248 women aged 15-75 years of whom 50,858 had DUD. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident and fatal cervical cancer were calculated for women with and without DUD using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS DUD was significantly associated with incident cervical cancer (HR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-1.61), but not fatal cervical cancer (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.91-1.71), after adjusting for age, educational attainment, social welfare, region of residence, marital status and HIV infection. CONCLUSION Women with DUD were thus identified as a risk group for incident cervical cancer, which calls for attention from clinicians and policy makers. It is possible that non-attendance in cancer screening and other healthcare seeking barriers may affect the risk of incident cervical cancer among women with DUD but more research on this topic is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Xinjun Li
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Hedvig Magnusson
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan
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Donkoh ET, Agyemang-Yeboah F, Asmah RH, Wiredu EK. Prevalence of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions among unscreened Women in Kumasi, Ghana. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e14600. [PMID: 30921178 PMCID: PMC6456016 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000014600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghana does not have a universal population-based cervical cancer screening program and there is very limited information about the distribution of cervical epithelial cell lesions. This study provides evidence that a moderately high prevalence of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions exists among unscreened women in Kumasi.The prevalence of cervical epithelial cell abnormalities among a cross-section of women attending cervical cancer screening for the first time in a suburb of Ghana from 2011 to 2014 was studied. Cervical smears were prepared and examined independently by 2 cytotechnologists and confirmed by a pathologist. Cervical lesions were classified according to the Bethesda System for cervical cytology 2001.Out of the 592 women for whom a Pap smear was available for evaluation, 555 (93.8%) were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. Eight women (1.4%) showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 9 (1.4%) low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 2 (0.3%) high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. A total of 15 (2.5%) smears were unsatisfactory for cervical cytology. Additionally, 3 women (0.5%) had squamous cell carcinoma, giving an overall rate of 3.7% for epithelial cell abnormalities.Cervical cancer and precursor epithelial cell abnormalities are common among women in Kumasi for a disease that can be prevented by early detection through routine screening and management. This study provides adequate background data to recommend the implementation of cervical cancer screening in all eligible women in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Timmy Donkoh
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani
| | - Francis Agyemang-Yeboah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi
| | | | - Edwin K. Wiredu
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
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