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Lee H, Baeker Bispo J, Pal Choudhury P, Wiese D, Jemal A, Islami F. Factors contributing to differences in cervical cancer screening in rural and urban community health centers. Cancer 2024; 130:2315-2324. [PMID: 38523461 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community health centers (CHCs) provide historically marginalized populations with primary care, including cancer screening. Previous studies have reported that women living in rural areas are less likely to be up to date with cervical cancer screening than women living in urban areas. However, little is known about rural-urban differences in cervical cancer screening in CHCs and the contributing factors, and whether such differences changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Using 8-year pooled Uniform Data System (2014-2021) data and Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition, the extent to which CHC- and catchment area-level characteristics explained rural-urban differences in up-to-date cervical cancer screening was estimated. RESULTS Up-to-date cervical cancer screening was lower in rural CHCs than urban CHCs (38.2% vs 43.0% during 2014-2019), and this difference increased during the pandemic (43.5% vs 49.0%). The rural-urban difference in cervical cancer screening in 2014-2019 was mostly explained by differences in CHC-level proportions of patients with limited English proficiency (55.9%) or income below the poverty level (12.3%) and females aged 21 to 64 years (9.8%), and catchment area-level's unemployment (3.4%) and primary care physician density (3.2%). However, Medicaid (-48.5%) or no insurance (-19.6%) counterbalanced the differences between rural-urban CHCs. The contribution of these factors to rural-urban differences in cervical cancer screening generally increased in 2020-2021. CONCLUSIONS Rural-urban differences in cervical cancer screening were mostly explained by multiple CHC-level and catchment area-level characteristics. The findings call for tailored interventions, such as providing resources and language services, to improve cancer screening utilization among uninsured, Medicaid, and patients with limited English proficiency in rural CHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Lee
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jordan Baeker Bispo
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Parichoy Pal Choudhury
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel Wiese
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Farhad Islami
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Harris NR. Systematic Reviews to Inform Practice, July/August 2024. J Midwifery Womens Health 2024; 69:606-614. [PMID: 38997796 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
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Trott S, Lei F, Jay Christian W, Mao X, Lehmkuhl B, Kejner A. Geographic variation of HPV-associated cancer incidence in Kentucky using spatial scan statistics. Cancer Causes Control 2024; 35:817-824. [PMID: 38212533 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01835-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Populations with high cancer risk that are targeted for screening, education, and vaccination have been shown to increase rates of screening, which ultimately may improve timing of diagnosis and overall outcome for certain cancers. Spatial scan analysis provides a visual representation of areas with higher rates of disease. Limited research has used this methodology to assess HPV-associated cancers. Using, spatial scan statistics, our goal was to identify regions within Kentucky having significantly higher rates of HPV-associated tumors. These regions can be targeted for public health efforts in the form of education, vaccination, screening, and physician recruitment. METHODS The Kentucky Cancer Registry data from 1995 to 2016 and spatial scan statistics were used to identify county-level clusters with high-incidence of HPV-associated cancers after adjustment for age and sex. Anatomic sites included in this analysis were oropharynx, cervix, anus, penis, and vulva. RESULTS There was one high-rate cluster of oropharyngeal cancer, which was observed in the Louisville metropolitan region (Relative Risk [RR] = 1.24, p < 0.001). One high-rate cluster of anal and penile cancer incidence in men was identified that partially overlapped with the oropharyngeal cluster. There were five clusters of higher cervical, vulvar, and anal cancer incidence in females, one of which overlapped with the oropharyngeal cluster. CONCLUSION Overlapping clusters of HPV-associated cancers were identified at the county-level and included both urban and rural counties of Kentucky. Findings can assist in the design of public health interventions to increase screenings, promote vaccination, and recruit physicians in these regions to improve prevention, diagnosis, and early treatment of HPV-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skylar Trott
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Feitong Lei
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - W Jay Christian
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Xihua Mao
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ben Lehmkuhl
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alexandra Kejner
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Kozhimannil KB, Sheffield EC, Fritz AH, Henning‐Smith C, Interrante JD, Lewis VA. Rural/urban differences in rates and predictors of intimate partner violence and abuse screening among pregnant and postpartum United States residents. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14212. [PMID: 37553107 PMCID: PMC10915503 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe rates and predictors of perinatal intimate partner violence (IPV) and rates and predictors of not being screened for abuse among rural and urban IPV victims who gave birth. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING This analysis utilized 2016-2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 45 states and three jurisdictions. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study using multistate survey data. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS This analysis included 201,413 survey respondents who gave birth in 2016-2020 (n = 42,193 rural and 159,220 urban respondents). We used survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models, stratified by rural/urban residence, to estimate adjusted predicted probabilities and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for two outcomes: (1) self-reported experiences of IPV (physical violence by a current or former intimate partner) and (2) not receiving abuse screening at health care visits before, during, or after pregnancy. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Rural residents had a higher prevalence of perinatal IPV (4.6%) than urban residents (3.2%). Rural respondents who were Medicaid beneficiaries, 18-35 years old, non-Hispanic white, Hispanic (English-speaking), or American Indian/Alaska Native had significantly higher predicted probabilities of experiencing perinatal IPV compared with their urban counterparts. Among respondents who experienced perinatal IPV, predicted probabilities of not receiving abuse screening were 21.3% for rural and 16.5% for urban residents. Predicted probabilities of not being screened for abuse were elevated for rural IPV victims who were Medicaid beneficiaries, 18-24 years old, or unmarried, compared to urban IPV victims with those same characteristics. CONCLUSIONS IPV is more common among rural birthing people, and rural IPV victims are at higher risk of not being screened for abuse compared with their urban peers. IPV prevention and support interventions are needed in rural communities and should focus on universal abuse screening during health care visits and targeted support for those at greatest risk of perinatal IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Backes Kozhimannil
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Emily C. Sheffield
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Alyssa H. Fritz
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Carrie Henning‐Smith
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Julia D. Interrante
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Valerie A. Lewis
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementGillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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Wong A, Morgis R, Entenman J, Ramirez SI, Hays AL, Wright TS, Scartozzi CM, Ruffin MT, Moss JL. Exploratory Analysis of Concordance Between Clinician-Collected and Self-Sampled Human Papillomavirus Tests in a Small Cohort of Average- and High-Risk Patients. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:259-266. [PMID: 38516651 PMCID: PMC10956530 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2024.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Cervical cancer screening rates have stagnated, but self-sampling modalities have the potential to increase uptake. This study compares the test characteristics of self-sampled high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) tests with clinician-collected hrHPV tests in average-risk (i.e., undergoing routine screening) and high-risk patients (i.e., receiving follow-up after abnormal screening results). Methods In this cross-sectional study, a relatively small cohort of average-risk (n = 35) and high-risk (n = 12) participants completed both clinician-collected and self-sampled hrHPV testing, along with a brief phone survey. We assessed hrHPV positivity, concordance, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity across both methods (for types 16, 18, or other hrHPV). We also explored the relationship between test concordance and sociodemographic/behavioral factors. Results Among average-risk participants, hrHPV positivity was 6% for both test methods (i.e., hrHPV-positive cases: n = 2), resulting in reported concordance, PPV, NPV, sensitivity, and specificity of 100%. Among high-risk participants, hrHPV positivity was 100% for clinician-collected tests but only 67% for self-sampled tests, showing varied concordance and sensitivity. Concordance was not associated with sociodemographic or behavioral factors. Conclusions Self-sampled hrHPV testing demonstrated high accuracy for average-risk patients in this exploratory study. However, its performance was less consistent in high-risk patients who had already received an abnormal screening result, which could be attributed to spontaneous viral clearance over time. The limited number of participants, particularly HPV-positive cases, suggests caution in interpreting these results. Further research with larger cohorts is necessary to validate these findings and to explore the integration of self-sampled hrHPV testing into routine clinical care, particularly for patients with a history of cervical abnormalities. Clinical Trial Registration NCT04591977, NCT04585243.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Wong
- Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebecca Morgis
- Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juliette Entenman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah I. Ramirez
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy L. Hays
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tonya S. Wright
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina M. Scartozzi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mack T. Ruffin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Moss
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Magana K, Strand L, Love M, Moore T, Peña A, Ito Ford A, Vassar M. Health inequities in human papillomavirus prevention, diagnostics and clinical care in the USA: a scoping review. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:128-136. [PMID: 36396174 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055587] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents the most common STI in the USA. HPV inequities in prevention, diagnostics and clinical care persist. We define inequities as systematic, avoidable and unfair differences in health outcomes. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this scoping review are to chart existing data on HPV-related inequities, identify gaps in existing literature and guide future research to reduce these inequities. METHODS We completed a scoping review following guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses scoping reviews extension. We performed a literature search on PubMed and Ovid Embase in July 2022 for articles pertaining to HPV and evaluating populations within the USA. We included English language publications from 2018 to 2022 evaluating at least one health inequity outlined by the National Institutes of Health. General publication characteristics and health inequity data were charted in a masked, duplicate fashion using a pilot-tested Google Form. We analysed frequencies of health inequities and summarised main findings from included studies. RESULTS Our final sample included 170 publications. The most common inequities examined were race/ethnicity (140 studies), sex or gender (97 studies), and income (69 studies). Many historically marginalised racial/ethnic groups had lower rates of HPV-related knowledge, vaccination and worse overall outcomes related to HPV. Compared with women, men had lower rates of HPV vaccination and provider recommendation, and higher rates of HPV-infection. Results regarding income were largely conflicting. CONCLUSION Findings from our review demonstrate clear gaps in HPV-related inequity research. Vaccine completion, provider recommendation and intersectionality should continue to be evaluated to implement targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Magana
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura Strand
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Mitchell Love
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Ty Moore
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Andriana Peña
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Alicia Ito Ford
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Matt Vassar
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
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Hou D, Yang B, Li Y, Sun M. Utility of Scoring System for Screening and Early Warning of Cervical Cancer Based on Big Data Analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:920956. [PMID: 35795701 PMCID: PMC9251193 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.920956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the utility of the scoring system for screening and early warning of cervical cancer based on big data analysis. Methods A total of 420 women undergoing physical examination in Shenyang from January 2021 to January 2022 were screened by convenient sampling as the study subjects. All females accepted the human papilloma virus (HPV) tests and thin-prep cytology test (TCT), a Rating Questionnaire for Screening and Early Warning of Cervical Cancer was developed, and a warning threshold was derived according to the scores of the questionnaire and the goodness of fit for the results of HPV+TCT tests. The patients were graded according to the threshold, and corresponding intervention strategies for patients of different grades were developed. Results Among the 420 people undergoing physical examination, 92 (21.90%) obtained scores ≥8 points, and 328 (78.10%) obtained scores < 8 points; in diagnosing cervical cancer, the Rating Questionnaire for Screening and Early Warning of Cervical Cancer had an AUC value of 0.848, specificity of 97.22%, and sensitivity of 86.46%; after scientific intervention, HPV test results showed a significant decrease in both high-risk positive cases and low-risk positive cases (p < 0.05), and TCT results showed that there was a significant difference in the number of patients with CIN I before and after intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion The scoring system for screening and early warning of cervical cancer based on big data analysis presents certain clinical value in the clinical screening of cervical cancer, which can further improve the screening coverage, is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and helps physician implement hierarchical diagnosis and treatment quickly and precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Hou
- Department of Health Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Binjie Yang
- Department of Health Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Yangdan Li
- China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming Sun
- Department of Health Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Sun
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Grigore M, Vasilache IA, Cianga P, Constantinescu D, Duma O, Matasariu RD, Scripcariu IS. Acceptability of Human Papilloma Virus Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening in a Cohort of Patients from Romania (Stage 2). J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092503. [PMID: 35566630 PMCID: PMC9099630 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092503] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Low patient’s adherence to conventional cervical cancer screening methods determined the need to take into consideration alternative approaches, and vaginal HPV self-sampling is one of them. We aimed to evaluate, using an online survey, the Romanian women’s acceptability of vaginal HPV self-sampling. (2) Methods: A 13-questions online survey was distributed on three Facebook groups, and the results were summarized. (3) Results: Despite of good educational background, 10.8% (n = 60) of the respondents did not know what a Pap smear is, and 33% (n = 183) were not informed about the free national cervical cancer screening program. Multivariate analysis revealed an increased likelihood of vaginal self-sampling acceptance among respondents who did not know about Pap test (OR: 7.80; 95%CI: 1.062−57.431; p = 0.021), national cervical cancer screening program (OR: 1.96; 95%CI: 1.010−3.806; p = 0.02), HPV infection (OR: 7.35; 95%CI: 3.099−17.449; p< 0.001) or HPV test (OR: 1.67; 95%CI: 0.950−2.948; p = 0.03). Moreover, women who did not previously undergo a cervical cancer screening program were more likely to accept the new screening method (OR: 1.62; 95%CI: 0.878−3.015; p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: Our results showed high acceptability rates of vaginal HPV self-sampling among participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Grigore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.G.); (R.D.M.); (I.-S.S.)
| | - Ingrid-Andrada Vasilache
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.G.); (R.D.M.); (I.-S.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Petru Cianga
- Department of Immunology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (P.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Daniela Constantinescu
- Department of Immunology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (P.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Odetta Duma
- Department of Epidemiology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Roxana Daniela Matasariu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.G.); (R.D.M.); (I.-S.S.)
| | - Ioana-Sadiye Scripcariu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.G.); (R.D.M.); (I.-S.S.)
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Jenkins WD, Rose J, Molina Y, Lee M, Bolinski R, Luckey G, Van Ham B. Cancer Screening among Rural People Who Use Drugs: Colliding Risks and Barriers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084555. [PMID: 35457423 PMCID: PMC9026855 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Rural cancer disparities are associated with lesser healthcare access and screening adherence. The opioid epidemic may increase disparities as people who use drugs (PWUD) frequently experience healthcare-associated stigmatizing experiences which discourage seeking routine care. Rural PWUD were recruited to complete surveys and interviews exploring cancer (cervical, breast, colorectal, lung) risk, screening history, and healthcare experiences. From July 2020–July 2021 we collected 37 surveys and 8 interviews. Participants were 24.3% male, 86.5% White race, and had a mean age of 44.8 years. Females were less likely to report seeing a primary care provider on a regular basis, and more likely to report stigmatizing healthcare experiences. A majority of females reporting receiving recommendations and screens for cervical and breast cancer, but only a minority were adherent. Similarly, only a minority of males and females reported receiving screening tests for colorectal and lung cancer. Screening rates for all cancers were substantially below those for the US generally and rural areas specifically. Interviews confirmed stigmatizing healthcare experiences and suggested screening barriers and possible solutions. The opioid epidemic involves millions of individuals and is disproportionately experienced in rural communities. To avoid exacerbating existing rural cancer disparities, methods to engage PWUD in cancer screening need to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiley D. Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jennifer Rose
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA; (J.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Yamile Molina
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Minjee Lee
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794, USA;
- Simons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Rebecca Bolinski
- Department of Sociology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;
| | - Georgia Luckey
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA; (J.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Brent Van Ham
- Center for Rural Health and Social Services Development, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;
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