Correlates of underutilization of gynecological cancer screening among lesbian and heterosexual women

Alicia K. Matthews; Dana L. Brandenburg; Timothy P. Johnson; Tonda L. Hughes

doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2003.09.034

Correlates of underutilization of gynecological cancer screening among lesbian and heterosexual women

Alicia K. Matthews, Dana L. Brandenburg, Timothy P. Johnson, Tonda L. Hughes

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

93 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Study aims were to examine cervical cancer risk factors, screening patterns, and predictors of screening adherence in demographically similar samples of lesbian (N = 550) and heterosexual women (N = 279). Methods. Data are from a multisite survey study of women's health conducted from 1994 to 1996. Results. Differences in sexual behavior risk factors for cervical cancer were observed with lesbians reporting earlier onset of sexual activity (P < 0.05), more sexual partners (P < 0.001), and lower use of safer sex activities (P < 0.01). Lesbian and heterosexual women were equally likely to have ever had a Pap test; however, lesbians were less likely to report annual (P < 0.001) or routine (P < 0.001) testing. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the associations between demographics, health care factors, health behaviors, and worry about health and screening behaviors. Individual predictors of never screening included younger age, lower income, and lack of annual medical visits. Independent predictors of both recent and annual screenings included history of an abnormal Pap test, being heterosexual, and annual medical visits. Conclusion. Data indicate that lesbians are at risk for cervical cancer, yet underutilize recommended screening tests. Findings have implications for research, education, and cancer control among lesbians.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	105-113
Number of pages	9
Journal	Preventive medicine
Volume	38
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2003.09.034
State	Published - Jan 2004
Externally published	Yes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Merging of the data sets, data analysis, and preparation of this manuscript were supported by the Lesbian Health Fund of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, a Mental Health Services Research Grant on Women and Gender from the National Institute on Mental Health no. 1R24 MH54212, University of Illinois (UIC) Department of Psychiatry, and an Internal Research Support Grant (IRSP) from the UIC College of Nursing. The Chicago Board of Health and the Chicago Foundation for Women supported the Chicago survey. The New York survey was supported by a grant from the Professional Staff Congress of the City University of New York.

Keywords

Cervical cancer risk
Cervical cancer screening
Sexual orientation

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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title = "Correlates of underutilization of gynecological cancer screening among lesbian and heterosexual women",

abstract = "Background. Study aims were to examine cervical cancer risk factors, screening patterns, and predictors of screening adherence in demographically similar samples of lesbian (N = 550) and heterosexual women (N = 279). Methods. Data are from a multisite survey study of women's health conducted from 1994 to 1996. Results. Differences in sexual behavior risk factors for cervical cancer were observed with lesbians reporting earlier onset of sexual activity (P < 0.05), more sexual partners (P < 0.001), and lower use of safer sex activities (P < 0.01). Lesbian and heterosexual women were equally likely to have ever had a Pap test; however, lesbians were less likely to report annual (P < 0.001) or routine (P < 0.001) testing. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the associations between demographics, health care factors, health behaviors, and worry about health and screening behaviors. Individual predictors of never screening included younger age, lower income, and lack of annual medical visits. Independent predictors of both recent and annual screenings included history of an abnormal Pap test, being heterosexual, and annual medical visits. Conclusion. Data indicate that lesbians are at risk for cervical cancer, yet underutilize recommended screening tests. Findings have implications for research, education, and cancer control among lesbians.",

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author = "Matthews, {Alicia K.} and Brandenburg, {Dana L.} and Johnson, {Timothy P.} and Hughes, {Tonda L.}",

note = "Funding Information: Merging of the data sets, data analysis, and preparation of this manuscript were supported by the Lesbian Health Fund of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, a Mental Health Services Research Grant on Women and Gender from the National Institute on Mental Health no. 1R24 MH54212, University of Illinois (UIC) Department of Psychiatry, and an Internal Research Support Grant (IRSP) from the UIC College of Nursing. The Chicago Board of Health and the Chicago Foundation for Women supported the Chicago survey. The New York survey was supported by a grant from the Professional Staff Congress of the City University of New York. ",

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AU - Johnson, Timothy P.

AU - Hughes, Tonda L.

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N2 - Background. Study aims were to examine cervical cancer risk factors, screening patterns, and predictors of screening adherence in demographically similar samples of lesbian (N = 550) and heterosexual women (N = 279). Methods. Data are from a multisite survey study of women's health conducted from 1994 to 1996. Results. Differences in sexual behavior risk factors for cervical cancer were observed with lesbians reporting earlier onset of sexual activity (P < 0.05), more sexual partners (P < 0.001), and lower use of safer sex activities (P < 0.01). Lesbian and heterosexual women were equally likely to have ever had a Pap test; however, lesbians were less likely to report annual (P < 0.001) or routine (P < 0.001) testing. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the associations between demographics, health care factors, health behaviors, and worry about health and screening behaviors. Individual predictors of never screening included younger age, lower income, and lack of annual medical visits. Independent predictors of both recent and annual screenings included history of an abnormal Pap test, being heterosexual, and annual medical visits. Conclusion. Data indicate that lesbians are at risk for cervical cancer, yet underutilize recommended screening tests. Findings have implications for research, education, and cancer control among lesbians.

AB - Background. Study aims were to examine cervical cancer risk factors, screening patterns, and predictors of screening adherence in demographically similar samples of lesbian (N = 550) and heterosexual women (N = 279). Methods. Data are from a multisite survey study of women's health conducted from 1994 to 1996. Results. Differences in sexual behavior risk factors for cervical cancer were observed with lesbians reporting earlier onset of sexual activity (P < 0.05), more sexual partners (P < 0.001), and lower use of safer sex activities (P < 0.01). Lesbian and heterosexual women were equally likely to have ever had a Pap test; however, lesbians were less likely to report annual (P < 0.001) or routine (P < 0.001) testing. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the associations between demographics, health care factors, health behaviors, and worry about health and screening behaviors. Individual predictors of never screening included younger age, lower income, and lack of annual medical visits. Independent predictors of both recent and annual screenings included history of an abnormal Pap test, being heterosexual, and annual medical visits. Conclusion. Data indicate that lesbians are at risk for cervical cancer, yet underutilize recommended screening tests. Findings have implications for research, education, and cancer control among lesbians.

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Correlates of underutilization of gynecological cancer screening among lesbian and heterosexual women

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

UN SDGs

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