Socioeconomic and cultural factors associated with pap smear screening among French women living in Réunion Island

BACKGROUND

Réunion Island is a French overseas territory located in the southern Indian Ocean, with a challenging socioeconomic and multicultural context. Compared to mainland France, Réunion has an overincidence and overmortality of cervical cancer. In order to investigate these two issues, it is important to evaluate the barriers and potential levers to Pap smear screening among female inhabitants of the island. We aimed to identify the specific socio-demographic factors, cultural factors, and living conditions associated with Pap smear screening in Réunion, with a view to increasing uptake.

METHODS

We conducted a Knowledge Attitude Behavior and Practices (KABP) survey on cervical cancer screening practices among women aged between 25 and 65 years old living in Réunion Island, selected using random digit dialing sampling. Data were collected using Computer Assistant Telephone Interviews. Weighted chi-squared tests and Student's t-tests were used to compare women who had up-to-date Pap smear screening with women who did not. Weighted logistic models were used to identify the factors associated with not having up-to-date screening.

RESULTS

A total of 1000 women were included in the study. Of these, 88.1% had a Pap smear test during the previous three years. Factors independently associated with not being up to date were as follows: aged over 55 (AOR 2.3 [1.2-4.3]), no children (AOR 2.5 [1.4-4.3]), having free universal health coverage (AOR 1.7 [1.1-2.7]), an income per unit consumption lower than 1500€ per month (AOR 2.0 [1.1-3.7]), low health literacy (AOR 2.7 [1.7-4.1]), not consulting a general practitioner in the prior 12 months (AOR 3.6 [2.0-6.5]), and a BMI > 30 (AOR 2.6 [1.5-4.4]).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first large-scale survey focusing on recommended Pap smear screening uptake in Réunion Island. Although self-reported screening incidence was higher than in mainland France, national screening policies must take into account the island's diverse social and cultural characteristics (e.g., an ageing population, low health literacy), while implementing actions to fight against poverty and increase general access to healthcare.

Communication and sexual function and frequency in breast cancer patients 2 years after diagnosis: results from the VICAN 2 study

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer treatments may have impacts on several aspects of sexual health, including psychological, psychosexual, physiological, physical, and relational.

AIM

In this study we sought to assess sexual function and sexual frequency in breast cancer patients 2 years after diagnosis.

METHODS

We selected all breast cancer participants from the the French national VIe après le CANcer 2 (VICAN 2) longitudinal study. Data sources included patient and medical questionnaires, along with medico-administrative databases.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes assessed were the dimensions of sexual function and frequency from the Relationship and Sexuality Scale and communication about sexuality with healthcare providers.

RESULTS

Out of 1350 participating women, 60.2% experienced a decrease in sexual desire, 61.4% reported a lower frequency of intercourse, and 49.5% faced decreased ability to orgasm. In contrast, 64.8% had engaged in sexual intercourse in the previous 2 weeks, 89.5% were "Somewhat" to "Very much" satisfied with the frequency of intimate touching and kisses with their partner, and 81.6% expressed satisfaction with their intercourse frequency. However, a mere 15% of women discussed sexuality with the healthcare providers. Independent factors associated with increased communication about sexuality included age younger than 50 years (OR = 1.90 95% CI [1.28-2.82], P = .001), being in a partner relationship (OR = 2.53 95% CI [1.28-2.82], P = .003), monthly income above 1,500 euros (OR = 1.73 95% CI [1.15-2.60], P = .009), and absence of diabetes (OR = 6.11 95% CI [1.39-26.93], P = .017).

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

The study findings underscore the need for continuing education in oncosexology and dedicated sexual health interventions that should involve a holistic approach that takes into consideration age, treatments, relationship status, and whether the patient has diabetes.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Strengths of the study are the sample size, the national representativeness, and data reliability. However, the cross-sectional design could introduce potential recall, recency, or social desirability biases. Also, social determinants influencing sexual health, such as ethnicity or geographic locations, have not been considered in the analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that sexual disorders persist 2 years after a breast cancer diagnosis, with a noticeable communication gap regarding sexuality between patients and medical teams. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored sexual health interventions, particularly designed for women who are single, older aged, and diabetes patients.

A population-based analysis of hematological malignancies from a French-West-Indies cancer registry's data (2009-2018)

BACKGROUND

A worldwide increased incidence of HM has been marked in recent decades. Therefore, to update epidemiological characteristics of HM in a French West Indies territory, we have performed analysis through Martinique's population-based cancer registry database.

METHODS

We included cancer case data, from 2009-2018, coded in strict compliance with international standards set by International Agency for Research on Cancer. We calculated standardized incidence rates, cumulative rate (ages 0-74), and temporal trends for cases and deaths using the global population standard, by sex and five age group. Mortality rates were obtained from the French Epidemiology Center on Medical Causes of Death (CépiDc).

RESULTS

One thousand forty seven new cases and 674 deaths from HM were recorded, of which 501 MM (47.8%), 377 LMNH (36%), 123 LAM (11.8%), and 46 LH (4.4%) were reported in both sexes. MM is one of the hematological malignancies with the highest incidence in Martinique among men. Temporal trends of incidence rates for all HM decreased overall in both sexes, except for MM in men. There is significant variability in mortality rates for both sexes. In addition, over the period, the temporal trends of mortality rates for all HMs has decreased overall. Gender-specific rates, between 2009 and 2018, showed that all lymphoid HM have a multimodal distribution curve that increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics of HM in Martinique over the reporting periods differ from mainland France. Higher incidences have been observed, particularly for MM, and non-significant sub-mortality is observed compared to mainland France. Moreover, temporal distribution of mortality and incidence trends had decreased over the reporting periods except for MM. Our results showed similarities with African-Americans groups in United States and in particular an equivalence in the frequency distribution of diagnosed HM. However, SMR remains lower compared to US black ethnic groups. Our results contributed to expanding knowledge on the epidemiology of HM with Caribbean data.

International cooperation and the challenge of internet accessibility in Caribbean territories: example of a collaborative platform between the University Hospital of Martinique and Ramón González Coro Hospital in Cuba, through the French PRPH-3 program

BACKGROUND

Martinique shares with the other Caribbean countries specific public health issues, particularly in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of cancer patients. Mutualization of human and material resources by promoting cooperation is the most appropriate response to the challenges of the health systems of the Caribbean territories. Through the French PRPH-3 program, we propose to set up a collaborative digital platform adapted to the specificities of the Caribbean to strengthen professional links and skills in oncofertility and oncosexology and reduce inequalities in access to reproductive and sexual health care for cancer patients.

METHODS

Within the context of this program, we have developed of an open-source platform based on a Learning Content Management System (LCMS), with an operating system developed by UNFM for low speed internet. LO libraries have been created and interaction between trainers and learners were done in asynchronous mode. This training management platform is based on: a TCC learning system (Training, Coaching, Communities); a web-hosting with pedagogical engineering appropriate to low bandwidth; a reporting system and a responsibility for processing.

RESULTS

We have carried out a flexible, multilingual and accessible digital learning strategy functionality called e-MCPPO according to low-speed internet ecosystem. In close connection with the e-learning strategy we conceived (i) a multidisciplinary team; (ii) an appropriate training program for expert health professionals and (iii) a responsive design.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This low-speed web-based infrastructure allows communities of experts to cooperate in creating, validating, publishing and managing academic learning content. The self-learning modules provide the digital layer for each learner to extend their skills. Learners, as well as trainers, would gradually take ownership of this platform and encourage its promotion. Innovation in this context is both technological (low-speed Internet broadcasting, free interactive software) and organizational (moderating educational resources). This collaborative digital platform is unique in its form and content. This challenge could contribute to the digital transformation of the Caribbean ecosystem for capacity building in this specifics topics.

Collaborative digital platform France - Cuba: oncorehabilitation in reproductive and sexual health

BACKGROUND

In the French West-Indies, few studies have been performed on fertility and sexual problems in cancer survivors, which are frequent and recurring issues reported by surveys on unmet needs. Additionally, mutualizing human and material resources and promoting cooperation through a collaborative platform are the most appropriate response to complex health pathways in the Caribbean territories. Implementation of such a collaborative platform will help to launch a strategic Caribbean partnership to transfer theoretical and technical skills and care standards in oncofertility and oncosexuality.

METHODS

We propose to set up a collaborative digital platform to strengthen, from the French expertise, Cuban health professionals' knowledge, know-how, and skills in oncofertility and oncosexuality. The project will be coordinated by a coordinating, scientific, and supervisory committee, and the main activities will include: 1. Theoretical training in e-learning adapted to low-speed Internet. 2. Practical training in fertility preservation and sexual rehabilitation. 3. Digital multidisciplinary consultation meetings for medical decisions to be taken for complex clinical cases. The platform will benefit from a recurrent evaluation, by the two cancer registries of Martinique and Cuba, with the following performance indicators: number of Cuban professionals trained, number of professionals sensitized, hourly volumes (or number of training courses provided), satisfaction of trained professionals, number of e-RCPs carried out online and number of missionaries supported. These indicators will be set up and analyzed by the registers. This project meets the Cuban and French health policies (cancer plans and national sexual health strategies) and will be implemented in liaison with the Health Agencies of both countries and the Embassy of France in Cuba.

DISCUSSION

This project aims to provide support through bilateral exchanges to improve reproductive and sexual health in Cuba's cancer patients. This collaboration will be based on a long-lasting French expertise and a solid Cuban health system. Consequently, this collaborative digital platform will contribute to data collection for cancer surveillance, and the two participating countries will ultimately be identified in the Caribbean as having centers of competence and excellence in oncofertility and oncosexuality with care standards.