Pap test recency and HPV vaccination among Brazilian immigrant women in the United States: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The United States (U.S.) has a growing population of Brazilian immigrant women. However, limited research has explored Pap tests and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among this population. METHODS: Participants completed an online survey between July-August 2020. Bivariate analyses examined associations between healthcare-related variables (e.g., insurance, having a primary care provider) and demographics (e.g., age, education, income, marital status, years living in the U.S., primary language spoken at home) with 1) Pap test recency (within the past 3 years) and 2) HPV vaccination (0 doses vs. 1 + doses). Variables significant at p < 0.10 in bivariate analyses were included in multivariable logistic regression models examining Pap test recency and HPV vaccination. RESULTS: The study found that 83.7% of the sample had a Pap test in the past three years. Women who did not know their household income were less likely to be than women who reported a household income of < $25,000 (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.95). Women who had seen a healthcare provider in the past year were more likely to have had a Pap test within the last three years than those who had not seen a provider in the past year ([aOR] = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.32, 4.47). Regarding HPV vaccination, 30.3% of respondents reported receiving one or more doses of the HPV vaccine. The multivariable logic regression models determined that women aged 27 -45 (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.67) were less likely than women aged 18-26 to have been vaccinated against HPV). and that women with a PCP were more likely to be vaccinated than those without a PCP (aOR = 2.47. 95% CI:1.30, 4.59). CONCLUSION: This study found that Brazilian immigrant women in the youngest age groups (21 - 29) for Pap test, 18- 26 for HPV vaccination) had somewhat better rates of Pap screening and HPV vaccination than the general U.S. POPULATION: This study adds new information about cervical cancer prevention and control behaviors among Brazilian immigrant women.

High frequency of alpha7-HPV in Colombian Caribbean coast women: cervical cancer screening analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is a significant global public health concern, particularly in developing countries such as Colombia. The main risk factor involves high-risk HPV types (HR-HPV) infection, coupled with population-specific variables. The Caribbean region in Colombia lacks research on HR-HPV-type frequencies. Therefore, this study aims to establish the prevalence of type-specific HR-HPV and its association with sociodemographic factors among women undergoing cervical cytology screening. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving voluntary women who provided informed consent and completed a questionnaire capturing sociodemographic, clinical, and sexual behavior information was conducted. All participants underwent cervical cytology and molecular analysis. Generic HPV detection employed three simultaneous PCRs (GP5+/6+, MY09/11, and PU1R/2 M), and positive samples were genotyped using the Optiplex HPV Genotyping kit. The analysis encompassed the 12 types of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV-16,-18,-31,-33,-35,-39,-45,-51,-52,-56,-58, and - 59). Frequencies were reported based on geographic subregions within the Córdoba department, and disparities were made between single and multiple infections. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were subjected to ordinal logistic regression, with statistical significance at a p-value < 0.05. The statistical analyses utilized STATA 14® and R-Core Team-software. RESULTS: We included 450 women, mean age 40 (SD±11.44). PCR analysis revealed 43% HPV-positive (n=192). GP5+/6+ detected the most positives at 26% (n=119), followed by PU1R/2 M at 22% (n = 100) and MY09/11 at 15% (n=69). Multiple infections occurred in 87.3% (n=142), primarily 2 to 4 types (47.37%, n=90). Dominant types were HPV-18 (15.6%, n=61), HPV-16 (14.9%, n=58), HPV-31 (13.0%, n = 51), and HPV-45 (11.5%, n=45). Logistic regression identified age above 60 as a risk for concurrent multiple types (OR=6.10; 95% CI 1.18-31.63). Menopause was protective (OR=0.31; 95% CI 0.11-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals a notable prevalence of multiple (2-4) high-risk HPV infections among adult women engaged in CC detection initiatives. Predominantly, α7 species constitute the prevalent HR-viral types, with the Medio Sinú subregion showing elevated prevalence. Menopausal status confers protection against diverse HR-HPV infections. Nevertheless, advancing age, particularly beyond 60 years, is linked to an increased susceptibility to simultaneous infections by multiple HPV-types.

Candida Variety in the Oral Cavity of Mexican Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and TLR2 Gene Expression.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to diagnose Candida in the oral cavity of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using a genotyping technique and compare the results with those from conventional diagnosis by Papanicolaou (Pap) staining. METHODS: Palatal mucosa smears were performed on 18 dental care patients diagnosed with T2DM and grade I, II, and III prosthetic stomatitis who met the inclusion criteria; 18 healthy control subjects were also included in the study. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were determined from total blood. Using exfoliative cytology, the Pap staining technique was used to diagnose candidiasis. Exfoliative cytology was also used for molecular diagnosis; DNA was obtained for Candida genotyping, and RNA was used for gene expression studies. RESULTS: Clinical patterns indicated that all subjects were positive for Candida; however, Pap analysis revealed only three positive subjects, whereas end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed 15 subjects with some type of Candida. The most common Candida species found were Candida guilliermondii (38.8%), Candida krusei (33.3%), Candida tropicalis, and Candida lusitaniae (22.2%). Interestingly, the coexpression of different species of Candida was found in various patients. In all patients, HbA1c levels were increased. Gene expression analysis showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in TLR2 expression in positive subjects, whereas TLR4 expression did not differ significantly among patients. CONCLUSIONS: The end-point PCR technique showed better sensitivity for the diagnosis of Candida when compared with the diagnosis by Pap staining. T2DM subjects showed an increased presence of C. guilliermondii that was correlated with decreased TLR2 expression.

A Narrative Review of Cervical Cancer Screening Utilization Among Haitian Immigrant Women in the U.S.: Health Beliefs, Perceptions, and Societal Barriers and Facilitators.

Haitian immigrant women living in the U.S. have a higher rate of cervical cancer mortality than any other ethnic group, primarily due to lower rates of screening test utilization. Therefore, it is important to understand the issues affecting their pap smear screening behaviors. We conducted a narrative review of articles from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, CINAHL/Nursing, and Psych Info. Inclusion criteria: U.S. Haitian immigrant, screening, cervical cancer, health beliefs/perceptions. Exclusion criteria: HPV-vaccine. Primary barriers: (1) lack of knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV, and pap smears; (2) lack of culturally appropriate dissemination of information; and (3) difficulty obtaining the test. Primary facilitators: (1) provider recommendations, (2) Haitian media to disseminate health information, and (3) having health insurance. This review highlights the points for intervention by health professionals and policy makers to address this group's low pap smear utilization.

Human papillomavirus DNA testing with the urine sample is not yet available: the accuracy of two distinct kits

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the results and efficiency of two real-time polymerase chain reaction procedures for detecting human papillomavirus utilizing urine samples. METHODS: This study comprised 151 patients who had previously tested positive for human papillomavirus in their cervical samples. Two different commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques were used for identification and genotyping human papillomavirus in urine specimens. The urine samples of 151 patients were evaluated via the Roche Cobas test, and the urine samples of 91 patients were also evaluated via the Qiagen test. RESULTS: The overall consistency of urine and cervical swab specimens for the identification of human papillomavirus in Roche Cobas and Qiagen tests were 44.8 and 44%, respectively. The rates of positive human papillomavirus results from urine samples were 57 and 70.3%, respectively. The overall concordance among Roche Cobas and Qiagen tests utilizing urine samples for human papillomavirus type 16/18 was 84.3% with a kappa value of 0.675, and for other high-risk-human papillomavirus, it was 75.60% with a kappa value of 0.535. Roche Cobas showed high concordance with Qiagen test. CONCLUSION: human papillomavirus positivity was not detected in all urine samples. It is still inappropriate to recommend the use of urine liquid biopsy for the accurate and reliable detection of human papillomavirus. Due to the lack of a standardized tool, the utilization of urine samples as a screening human papillomavirus test remains a challenge.

Realização periódica do Papanicolau: uma contribuição de empoderamento através de oficina / Periodic realization of Papanicolaou: a contribution to the empowerment of women / Realización periódica de Papanicolaou: una contribución al empoderamiento de la mujer

Objetivo: desenvolver uma oficina como forma de contribuição ao empoderamento de mulheres para a realização periódica do Papanicolau. Método: qualitativo, exploratório e descritivo, tipo pesquisa participante, em uma unidade de saúde, com mulheres entre 25 a 59 anos, através de entrevista semiestruturada coletiva, durante uma oficina ocorrida em fevereiro de 2023, analisada por meio da Análise Temática de Conteúdo. Resultados: a oficina mostrou-se como um dispositivo que potencializa o empoderamento feminino, interferindo no processo saúde-doença. Desvelou-se ainda como ferramenta de dialogicidade e escuta ativa, na compreensão dos determinantes que se configuram como empecilhos na realização periódica do Papanicolau. Considerações finais: como forma de romper barreiras, ao tratar-se da periodicidade do Papanicolau, a oficina é uma ferramenta eficiente e incentivadora de promoção à participação ativa, à autonomia, à autoestima e ao empoderamento social por meio do processo educativo

Objective: develop a workshop as a way of contributing to the empowerment of women to carry out regular Pap smears. Method: qualitative, exploratory and descriptive, participant research type, in a health unit, with women between 25 and 59 years old, through collective semi-structured interviews, during a workshop, analyzed through Thematic Content Analysis. Results: the workshop proved to be a device that enhances female empowerment, interfering in the health-disease process. It also revealed itself as a tool for dialogue and active listening, in understanding the determinants that constitute obstacles in the periodic performance of the Pap smear. Final considerations: as a way of breaking down barriers, when it comes to the frequency of the Pap smear, the workshop is an efficient and encouraging tool to promote active participation, autonomy, self- esteem and social empowerment through the educational process

Objetivos: desarrollar un taller como forma de contribuir al empoderamiento de las mujeres para la realización periódica de Papanicolaou. Método: investigación cualitativa, exploratoria y descriptiva, tipo participante, en una unidad de salud, con mujeres entre 25 y 59 años, a través de entrevistas colectivas semiestructuradas, durante un taller, analizadas mediante Análisis de Contenido Temático. Resultados: el taller resultó ser un dispositivo que potencia el empoderamiento femenino, interfiriendo en el proceso salud-enfermedad. También se reveló como una herramienta de diálogo y escucha activa, en la comprensión de los determinantes que constituyen obstáculos en la realización periódica del Papanicolaou. Consideraciones finales: como una forma de romper barreras en cuanto a la frecuencia de la prueba de Papanicolaou, el taller es una herramienta eficiente y alentadora para promover la participación activa, la autonomía, la autoestima y el empoderamiento social a través del proceso educativo

Análise do perfil epidemiológico dos exames citopatológico do colo do útero em Altamira no período de 2014 a 2020: dados a partir do SISCAN / Analysis of the epidemiological profile of cervical cytopathological exams in Altamira in the period from 2014 to 2020: data from SISCAN / Análisis del perfil epidemiológico de los exámenes citopatológicos de cérvix en Altamira en el periodo de 2014 a 2020: datos del SISCAN

OBJETIVO: Este trabalho aborda sobre características referente aos exames citopatológicos do colo do útero em Altamira, coletado no Sistema de Informação do Câncer, dentro do período de 2014 a 2020. Observou-se também a qualidade da interpretação dos principais resultados encontrados, sobre a técnica de coleta e qualidade de exames. O objetivo é analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos exames citopatológicos do colo do útero do município. MÉTODO: A metodologia realizada foi estudo quantitativo, de corte transversal, epidemiológico, descritiva e analítico. RESULTADOS: Verificou- se um crescimento anual na taxa de cobertura do exame do preventivo no período de 2014 a 2019, que está ligado à implementação do Plano de Desenvolvimento Regional Sustentável do Xingu, e que esse crescimento mostra uma diferença estatística significativa entre a taxa de cobertura de Altamira, Pará, Brasil. Observou-se presença de falhas no preenchimento da ficha de notificação é referente ao campo da escolaridade das pacientes que não apresentam registro. Quanto a faixa etária mais frequente que realizam o exame do preventivo está entre 25 a 34 anos e as lesões intraepiteliais do colo uterino mais frequentes são: a de baixo grau que corresponde à população jovem (<34 anos) e de alto grau entre 25 a 44 anos.

OBJECTIVE: This paper deals with characteristics related to cytopathological examinations of the cervix in Altamira, collected in the Cancer Information System, within the period from 2014 to 2020. It was also observed the quality of interpretation of the main results found, on the technique collection and quality of exams. The objective is to analyze the epidemiological profile of cytopathological tests of the cervix in the city. METHOD: The methodology used was a quantitative, cross- sectional, epidemiological study, descriptive and analytical approach. RESULTS: As a result, there was an annual growth in the coverage rate of the preventive exam in the period from 2014 to 2019, which is linked to the implementation of the Xingu Sustainable Regional Development Plan, and that this growth shows a significant statistical difference between the coverage rate of Altamira, Pará, Brazil. It was observed the presence of failures in completing the notification form referring to the field of education of patients who do not have a record. As for the most frequent age group that undergoes the preventive examination, it is between 25 and 34 years old and the most frequent intraepithelial lesions of the uterine cervix are: low-grade, which corresponds to the young population (<34 years) and high-grade, between 25 and 34 years old. 44 years.

OBJETIVO: En este trabajo se abordan las características relacionadas con los exámenes citopatológicos de cérvix en Altamira, recogidos en el Sistema de Información del Cáncer, en el periodo comprendido entre 2014 y 2020. También se observó la calidad de interpretación de los principales resultados encontrados, sobre la técnica de recolección y calidad de los exámenes. El objetivo es analizar el perfil epidemiológico de los exámenes citopatológicos de cuello uterino en la ciudad. MÉTODO: La metodología utilizada fue un estudio cuantitativo, transversal, epidemiológico, de abordaje descriptivo y analítico. RESULTADOS: Como resultado, se observó un crecimiento anual de la tasa de cobertura del examen preventivo en el período de 2014 a 2019, que está vinculado a la implementación del Plan de Desarrollo Regional Sostenible Xingu, y que este crecimiento muestra una diferencia estadística significativa entre la tasa de cobertura de Altamira, Pará, Brasil. Se observó la presencia de fallas en el llenado del formulario de notificación referente al campo de la educación de los pacientes que no tienen un registro. En cuanto al grupo de edad más frecuente que se somete al examen preventivo, es entre 25 y 34 años y las lesiones intraepiteliales del cuello uterino más frecuentes son: de bajo grado, que corresponde a la población joven (<34 años) y de alto grado, entre 25 y 44 años.

Barriers and facilitators to anal cancer screening among people living with HIV in Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: Anal cancer (AC) disproportionally affects people living with HIV (PLWH). Although there are no consensus-based AC screening guidelines, experts recommend anal pap as a primary screening tool in settings where high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) is available. We aimed to assess barriers and facilitators to anal cancer screening in a sample of Hispanic PLWH in Puerto Rico. METHODS: To assess their knowledge and attitudes, we conducted a cross-sectional survey from 2020-2021 among PLWH in Puerto Rico (n = 212). Data was collected through a telephone interview that assessed information on sociodemographics, knowledge, and attitudes about AC, and the history of AC screening. The chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with screening uptake. RESULTS: Anal Pap and HRA awareness were 60.4% and 30.7%, respectively. Anal Pap and HRA uptake was 51.5% and 19.3%, respectively. The most common barriers for anal Pap and HRA were lack of knowledge about the test and lack of physician recommendation. MSM were more likely to have heard of anal Pap (OR: 2.15, 95% CI:1.30-3.54) than MSW. MSM (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.79-5.19) and women (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.72-5.20) were also more likely to have undergone anal Pap. Similarly, individuals with a history of genital warts were more likely to have heard of anal Pap and HRA and have undergone anal Pap and HRA. Awareness of where to go for concerns about anal health was positively associated with having received anal Pap and HRA. CONCLUSIONS: With emerging evidence on the effectiveness of screening and treatment for anal cancer, several organizations are steering toward generating consensus-based anal cancer screening recommendations. Our study provides foundational data on barriers and facilitators to anal cancer screening in Puerto Rico that will be critical to informing screening implementation in this US territory.

Sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, and knowledge associated with previous screening for cervical cancer among women in western Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: About 90% of new cervical cancer cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries. This can be attributed to the low rates of cervical cancer screening in these countries. This study was conducted to identify factors associated with lack of cervical cancer screening among women in western Jamaica with the aim to increase screening and decrease cervical cancer risk. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed associations between previous Pap testing or lack of testing in five years or more, sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, and knowledge of cervical cancer among women recruited from clinics and community events in the four parishes of western Jamaica. Analyses included chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 223 women included in the study, 109 (48.9%) reported Pap testing five years or more previous to the study. In the multivariate analysis, women from St. James (Odds Ratio [OR]: 3.35, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.12-9.99), Trelawny (OR: 5.34, 95% CI: 1.23-23.25), and Westmoreland (OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.10-12.50) had increased odds of having had Pap test screening compared to women from Hanover. Women ≥ 50 years of age compared to women 18-29 years of age (OR: 6.17, 95% CI: 1.76-21.54), and employed compared to unemployed women (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.15-5.20) had increased odds of Pap test screening. Similarly, women with one (OR: 4.15, 95% CI: 1.06-16.22) or two or more children (OR: 8.43, 95% CI: 2.24-31.63) compared to women with no children had higher odds of screening. Women who were aware, compared to women who were unaware, of the purpose of Pap tests had increased odds of screening (OR: 3.90, 95% CI: 1.55-9.82). Lastly, women who believed Pap tests were painful compared to women who did not, had decreased odds of having had a Pap test (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.16-0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Uptake of Pap tests among the women was suboptimal and varied among parishes. Young women and women without children were less likely to have ever been screened. Increased education of the purpose of Pap tests to treat pre-cancer to prevent cancer and minimization of the notion that Pap tests are painful could promote screening among women in this population.

Community and provider perceptions and experiences of cervical cancer screening in Rural Bolivia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Despite efforts to increase cervical cancer screening access in rural Bolivia, uptake remains low. Bolivia has one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in the Americas. As it redoubles efforts to deliver Universal Health Care, the Bolivian government needs information on the factors constraining cervical cancer screening access and utilization, especially in rural areas. METHODS: Our qualitative study explored cervical cancer screening barriers and described community and provider perceptions and experiences of care. Bolivian and US researchers analyzed data collected from eight focus groups with male and female community members (n = 80) and interviews with healthcare providers (n = 6) in four purposively selected rural communities in Hernando Siles, Bolivia. Deductive and inductive codes were used to thematically analyze data using MaxQDA software. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data: lack of knowledge/misconceptions, health system inadequacy, lack of confidence in providers, and opportunities for improvement. Both men and women displayed misconceptions about the causes of cervical cancer, its consequences, the recommended screening frequency, and the means of accessing care. Providers noted community members' lack of knowledge and low risk-perception as utilization barriers but also highlighted poor health service quality and inconsistent health education as factors. Poor healthcare quality was a significant barrier; this included poor patient-provider communication, lack of transportation to screening facilities, and severe delays in receiving test results. Providers also noted problems with provider training and physical space for screening. Community members reported low confidence in nurses to perform screening, preferring doctors and specialists. They also expressed discomfort in having male healthcare providers conduct screening. Suggestions for improvements included more intensive cervical cancer outreach to rural areas and having specialists train lower-level providers to perform screening. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that poor healthcare quality has affected screening uptake in addition to physical barriers to care. They indicate a need for initiatives to reduce reporting time for Pap test results, the incorporation of community-based HPV self-sampling into screening protocols, and the implementation of programs to improve community confidence in providers' ability to perform screening.

Quality and Performance of Papanicolaou Test using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP12-A2 Guidelines: A Single-Center Study in Peru.

Context: Quality assurance in cervical cytology is based on the cyto-histological correlation that is performed in several countries even without standardized protocols. Aims: To evaluate the quality of the Pap smear with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP12-A2 guideline in a Peruvian hospital. Settings and Design: This prospective study was carried out at tertiary care national hospital. Methods and Material: The 156 cyto-histological results were collected and coded according to the Bethesda 2014 and FIGO system. The evaluation with the CLSI EP12-A2 guide allowed estimating the performance and quality of the test. Statistical Analysis Used: We performed a descriptive analysis of the cytological and histological data and correlation with the weight Kappa test. From the calculation of the likelihood ratios, the post-test probability was estimated using Bayes' theorem. Results: In cytology, 57 (36.5%) were undetermined abnormalities, 34 (21.8%) low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), and 42 (26.9%) high-grade SIL. Of the total biopsies, 56 (36.9%) were cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1, 23 (14.7%) were both CIN grade 2 and 3. We determined sensitivity, specificity, a positive and negative predictive value of 94%, 74.6%, 58%, and 97.1%, respectively. We determined a moderate cyto-histological agreement (κ = 0.57). Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (40%), and cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (42.1%) that showed higher overdiagnosis results. Conclusions: The quality and performance of the Papanicolaou test show high sensitivity and moderate specificity. The concordance found was moderate and the proportion of underdiagnosis was higher in abnormalities of undetermined significance.

Gynecological Care Among Brazilian Women Who Have Sex with Women: A Respondent-Driven Sampling Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the gynecological care provided to Brazilian women who have sex with women (WSW). Methods: Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit Brazilian WSW. The survey questions, concerning gynecological care, were designed in Portuguese by medical professionals, medical students, and LGBTQIA+ community members, including the authors. The statistical analyses were weighted to account for the likelihood of recruitment. Results: From January to August of 2018, 299 participants were recruited in 14 recruitment waves. The mean age of the WSW was 25.3 years. Most (54.9%) identified as lesbian and had been involved in past-year sexual intercourse mainly with cisgender women (86.1%). The WSW also reported having sex with cisgender men (22.2%), transgender men (5.3%), nonbinary people (2.3%), and transgender women (5.3%) in the last year. More than a quarter of the WSW did not have regular appointments with a gynecologist: 8.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.2-11.6) and 19% (95% CI = 12.8-25.2) stated that they had never gone to the gynecologist or they had only gone for emergencies, respectively. Almost one-third had never had cervical cancer screening (cervical cytology, Pap test or Pap smear). Most women justified avoiding the test because they felt healthy, thought it would hurt, or feared a health professional might mistreat them. Conclusion: Gynecologists should avoid heteronormative assumptions, inquire about sexual practices, orientation, and identity separately, and provide Pap tests as advised to WSW.

Factores que favorecen el tamizaje de cáncer de cuello uterino en mujeres de 12 a 49 años: Sub-análisis de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar 2019, Perú

Introducción: La prueba de Papanicolau ayuda a detectar de manera oportuna en la intervención de rutina el cáncer de cuello uterino. Objetivo: Analizar factores asociados al tamizaje para cáncer de cuello uterino en mujeres de 12 a 49 años en Perú durante el año 2019. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico-transversal de un análisis secundario de datos de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar del 2019. Muestreo bietápico, probabilístico, equilibrado y estratificado. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y analítica (nivel de inferencia p<0.05). Para el análisis bivariado y multivariado se utilizaron razones de prevalencia con intervalo de confianza de 95% y p<0.05. Resultados: La frecuencia de tamizaje de cáncer de cuello uterino en las regiones políticas con menores valores de prevalencia fueron Pasco (0,52%) y Tumbes (0,55%). Discusión: Los factores asociados al tamizaje de cáncer de cuello uterino son la edad, tener pareja, nivel educación superior, nivel socioeconómico pobre, residir en área rural, tener seguro de salud, edad de inicio de relaciones sexuales y haber escuchado del cáncer de cuello uterino.

Introduction: The Papanicolaou test smear helps detect cervical cancer in a timely manner in routine intervention. Objective: To analyze factors associated with screening for cervical cancer in women aged 12 to 49 years in Peru in 2019. Methods: An observational, analytical-cross-sectional study of a secondary analysis of data from 2019 Demographic and Family Health Survey was carried out. Two-stage, probabilistic, balanced, and stratified sampling. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used (level of inference p<0.05). For the bivariate and multivariate analysis, prevalence ratios were used with a 95% confidence interval and p<0.05. Results: The frequency of cervical cancer screening in the political regions with the lowest prevalence values were Pasco (0.52%) and Tumbes (0.55%). Discussion: The factors associated with cervical cancer screening are age, having a partner, higher education level, poor socioeconomic level, residing in a rural area, having health insurance, age at the start of sexual relations, and having heard of cervical cancer.

Factores socioculturales que influyen en las usuarias de 50 años para la toma de Papanicolaou de un Hospital Nasca

Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los factores socioculturales en usuarias de 50 años para la toma de Papanicolaou en el hospital Ricardo Cruzado Rivarola de Nasca durante el periodo Diciembre 2021 - Febrero 2022. Materiales y métodos : Realizamos un estudio observacional, analítica, y prospectivo. La población de estudio está constituida por 80 usuarias de 50 años que acuden al hospital Ricardo Cruzado Rivarola para controles de Papanicolaou al consultorio de Ginecología-Obstetricia. La muestra estuvo conformada por 67 usuarias, seleccionadas por muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Resultados: Para el primer análisis, en la regresión simple, se encontró que las mujeres con nivel de conocimientos altos tenían 153% mayor frecuencia de haberse realizado alguna vez un pap y las mujeres con nivel de conocimientos altos tenían 384% mayor frecuencia de haberse realizado alguna vez un PAP, en comparación a quienes tenían un nivel de conocimientos bajo. Luego, en la regresión múltiple se observó que las mujeres con nivel de conocimientos altos tenían 382% mayor frecuencia de haberse realizado alguna vez un PAP, en comparación a quienes tenían un nivel de conocimientos bajo. Conclusiones: El nivel de conocimiento sobre el PAP influye de una manera relevante al haberse realizado un PAP; pero además las mujeres que tuvieron mayor educación fueron las que tuvieron mayor frecuencia de haberlo realizado. Esto sumado a la cantidad de hijos; posiblemente porque en los círculos de mujeres con hijos uno de los temas a tratar es sobre la salud materna y dentro ellos el PAP.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the sociocultural factors in 50-year-old users for pap smears at the Ricardo Cruzado Rivarola de Nasca Hospital during the period December 2021 - February 2022. Material and methods: Observational, analytical, and prospective study. The study population is made up of 80 50-year-old users who attend the Ricardo Cruzado Rivarola Hospital for PAP tests at the gynecology-obstetrics office and the sample is 67 users, selected by non-probabilistic sampling for convenience. Results: For the first analysis, in simple and multiple regression, it was found that women with high levels of knowledge had a 384% and 382% higher frequency of having ever undergone a PAP test compared to those with low levels of knowledge. Conclusions: The level of knowledge about the PAP has a relevant influence on having carried out a PAP; but also the women who had a high level were the ones who had the highest frequency of having done it. This added to the number of children; possibly because in the circles of women with children one of the topics to be discussed is about maternal health and within them the PAP.

Anti-GM-CSF Neutralizing Autoantibodies in Colombian Patients with Disseminated Cryptococcosis.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is a potentially life-threatening fungal disease caused by encapsulated yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus, mostly C. neoformans or C. gattii. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most frequent clinical manifestation in humans. Neutralizing autoantibodies (auto-Abs) against granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have recently been discovered in otherwise healthy adult patients with cryptococcal meningitis, mostly caused by C. gattii. We hypothesized that three Colombian patients with cryptococcal meningitis caused by C. neoformans in two of them would carry high plasma levels of neutralizing auto-Abs against GM-CSF. METHODS: We reviewed medical and laboratory records, performed immunological evaluations, and tested for anti-cytokine auto-Abs three previously healthy HIV-negative adults with disseminated cryptococcosis. RESULTS: Peripheral blood leukocyte subset levels and serum immunoglobulin concentrations were within the normal ranges. We detected high levels of neutralizing auto-Abs against GM-CSF in the plasma of all three patients. CONCLUSIONS: We report three Colombian patients with disseminated cryptococcosis associated with neutralizing auto-Abs against GM-CSF. Further studies should evaluate the genetic contribution to anti-GM-CSF autoantibody production and the role of the GM-CSF signaling pathway in the immune response to Cryptococcus spp.

"Eu me sinto tipo invadida": Vivências com o exame papanicolau e o cuidado de enfermagem / "Me siento invadido": Experiencias con el papel tamizaje y cuidados de enfermería / "I feel like invaded": Experiences with the paper screening and nursing care

Objetivo: compreender vivências e sentidos atribuídos pelas mulheres ao exame Papanicolau e ao cuidado de Enfermagem. Métodos: um estudo com abordagem qualitativa do tipo retrospectivo realizado entre os meses de outubro e novembro de 2019 na Atenção Primária à Saúde de Fortaleza, Ceará. Foram entrevistadas 24 mulheres, tendo como critérios de inclusão ter idade igual ou superior a 18 anos, usuárias da Unidade Atenção Primária em Saúde há pelo menos um ano e que tenham realizado prevenção anteriormente com a(o) enfermeira(o). Os dados foram coletados pela entrevista semiestruturada tiveram seus conteúdos analisados em categorias. Resultados: com base nos dados, foi possível perceber que as mulheres tinham idade de 20 a 66 anos, ensino fundamental à pós-graduação. Realizaram o exame há um ano. Buscaram-no para prevenção de doenças e atendimento a queixas. Desconheceram a relação com prevenção do câncer de colo uterino. Destacaram a invasão do exame ao corpo. Relataram ansiedade, nenhum esclarecimento, dificuldades de vínculo, conforto e segurança. Para elas a Enfermagem não possui competência para realização do exame. Conclusão:o estudo possibilitou o conhecimento dos motivos e sentimentos sobre o exame. Recomendam-se estudos avaliativos na Atenção Básica que produzam evidências necessárias à melhoria da gestão do cuidado à mulher.(AU)

Objective: to understand experiences and meanings attributed by women to the Pap smear and nursing care. Methods: a retrospective study with a qualitative approach carried out between October and November 2019 in Primary Health Care in Fortaleza, Ceará. 24 women were interviewed, with the inclusion criteria being 18 years of age or older, users of the Primary Health Care Unit for at least one year and who had previously performed prevention with the nurse. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and their contents were analyzed in categories. Results: based on the data, it was possible to notice that the women were between 20 and 66 years old, from elementary to graduate school. They took the exam a year ago. They sought him for disease prevention and complaints. They did not know the relationship with the prevention of cervical cancer. They highlighted the invasion of the body by examination. They reported anxiety, no clarification, bonding difficulties, comfort and security. For them, Nursing does not have the competence to carry out the exam. Conclusion: the study enabled the knowledge of the reasons and feelings about the exam. Evaluative studies are recommended in Primary Care that produce evidence needed to improve the management of care for women.(AU)

Objetivo: comprender las experiencias y los significados atribuidos por las mujeres al Papanicolaou y al cuidado de enfermería. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo con abordaje cualitativo realizado entre octubre y noviembre de 2019 en la Atención Primaria de Salud de Fortaleza, Ceará. Fueron entrevistadas 24 mujeres, siendo el criterio de inclusión tener 18 años o más, usuarias de la Unidad Básica de Salud hace al menos un año y que hayan realizado previamente prevención con la enfermera. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y sus contenidos fueron analizados en categorías. Resultados: con base en los datos, fue posible notar que las mujeres tenían entre 20 y 66 años, desde la enseñanza básica hasta la posgrado. Hicieron el examen hace un año. Lo buscaban para prevención de enfermedades y denuncias. Desconocían la relación con la prevención del cáncer de cuello uterino. Destacaron la invasión del cuerpo por examen. Refirieron ansiedad, falta de aclaración, dificultades de vinculación, comodidad y seguridad. Para ellos, Enfermería no tiene competencia para realizar el examen. Conclusión: el estudio permitió conocer los motivos y sentimientos sobre el examen. Se recomiendan estudios evaluativos en Atención Primaria que produzcan las evidencias necesarias para mejorar la gestión del cuidado a la mujer.(AU)

"Eu me sinto tipo invadida": Vivências com o exame papanicolau e o cuidado de enfermagem Autores Jacqueline Martins Lima / "I feel like invaded": Experiences with the paper screening and nursing care

Objetivo: compreender vivências e sentidos atribuídos pelas mulheres ao exame Papanicolau e ao cuidado de Enfermagem. Métodos: um estudo com abordagem qualitativa do tipo retrospectivo realizado entre os meses de outubro e novembro de 2019 na Atenção Primária à Saúde de Fortaleza, Ceará. Foram entrevistadas 24 mulheres, tendo como critérios de inclusão ter idade igual ou superior a 18 anos, usuárias da Unidade Atenção Primária em Saúde há pelo menos um ano e que tenham realizado prevenção anteriormente com a(o) enfermeira(o). Os dados foram coletados pela entrevista semiestruturada tiveram seus conteúdos analisados em categorias. Resultados: com base nos dados, foi possível perceber que as mulheres tinham idade de 20 a 66 anos, ensino fundamental à pós-graduação. Realizaram o exame há um ano. Buscaram-no para prevenção de doenças e atendimento a queixas. Desconheceram a relação com prevenção do câncer de colo uterino. Destacaram a invasão do exame ao corpo. Relataram ansiedade, nenhum esclarecimento, dificuldades de vínculo, conforto e segurança. Para elas a Enfermagem não possui competência para realização do exame. Conclusão:o estudo possibilitou o conhecimento dos motivos e sentimentos sobre o exame. Recomendam-se estudos avaliativos na Atenção Básica que produzam evidências necessárias à melhoria da gestão do cuidado à mulher.(AU)

Objective: to understand experiences and meanings attributed by women to the Pap smear and nursing care. Methods: a retrospective study with a qualitative approach carried out between October and November 2019 in Primary Health Care in Fortaleza, Ceará. 24 women were interviewed, with the inclusion criteria being 18 years of age or older, users of the Primary Health Care Unit for at least one year and who had previously performed prevention with the nurse. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and their contents were analyzed in categories. Results: based on the data, it was possible to notice that the women were between 20 and 66 years old, from elementary to graduate school. They took the exam a year ago. They sought him for disease prevention and complaints. They did not know the relationship with the prevention of cervical cancer. They highlighted the invasion of the body by examination. They reported anxiety, no clarification, bonding difficulties, comfort and security. For them, Nursing does not have the competence to carry out the exam. Conclusion: the study enabled the knowledge of the reasons and feelings about the exam. Evaluative studies are recommended in Primary Care that produce evidence needed to improve the management of care for women.(AU)

Objetivo: comprender las experiencias y los significados atribuidos por las mujeres al Papanicolaou y al cuidado de enfermería. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo con abordaje cualitativo realizado entre octubre y noviembre de 2019 en la Atención Primaria de Salud de Fortaleza, Ceará. Fueron entrevistadas 24 mujeres, siendo el criterio de inclusión tener 18 años o más, usuarias de la Unidad Básica de Salud hace al menos un año y que hayan realizado previamente prevención con la enfermera. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y sus contenidos fueron analizados en categorías. Resultados: con base en los datos, fue posible notar que las mujeres tenían entre 20 y 66 años, desde la enseñanza básica hasta la posgrado. Hicieron el examen hace un año. Lo buscaban para prevención de enfermedades y denuncias. Desconocían la relación con la prevención del cáncer de cuello uterino. Destacaron la invasión del cuerpo por examen. Refirieron ansiedad, falta de aclaración, dificultades de vinculación, comodidad y seguridad. Para ellos, Enfermería no tiene competencia para realizar el examen. Conclusión: el estudio permitió conocer los motivos y sentimientos sobre el examen. Se recomiendan estudios evaluativos en Atención Primaria que produzcan las evidencias necesarias para mejorar la gestión del cuidado a la mujer.(AU)

Interventions to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nicaragua: An Integrative Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Nicaragua has one of the highest cervical cancer death rates (19.4 per 100,000) compared to other Central American countries. This integrative review of the literature synthesizes cervical cancer prevention interventions in Nicaragua. Methods: The literature search was performed through Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. The six articles included in this integrative review were appraised using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (QAQTS). Results: Greater knowledge of Pap smears, the human papillomavirus (HPV), and cervical cancer was significantly associated with positive screening beliefs. Barriers to cervical cancer screening included access to Pap smears, preference for female providers, and the length of time to receive screening results and treatment. The probability of having a Pap smear was 94% higher among those who had a recent doctor's visit compared to those who had not. While clinician samples are more accurate in detecting HPV or cervical cancer, self-sampling was stated by the participants to be preferred. Conclusion: A focus on the higher efficacy of clinician sampling and providing more factual information about cervical cancer and its screening through trusted community-based efforts, such as charlas, would be more likely to encourage testing and thereby reduce the rate of cervical cancer in Nicaragua.

Intervención educativa basada en metodologías B-learning para mejorar las citologías cervicales: experiencias de enfermeras / Intervenção educacional através do B-learning para melhorar a citologia cervical: experiências de enfermeiras / Educational intervention through B-learning to improve cervical cytology: experiences of nurses

Resumen Objetivo analizar las experiencias de enfermeras en la toma de las citologías cervicales y otros factores organizacionales durante una intervención educativa asistida por metodologías B-learning. Método estudio cualitativo realizado en San Luis Potosí, México. Participaron 15 enfermeras. La recolección de datos se hizo a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas con base en una sistematización de experiencias. Para el análisis de la información se utilizó el programa Taguette y como referente teórico las metodologías B-learning. Resultados se identificaron debilidades en factores relacionados con la accesibilidad de las usuarias al servicio, insumos, infraestructura, bioseguridad, capacitación del personal de salud, entrega de resultados a las pacientes y conocimiento del programa por parte de las usuarias. Conclusiones e implicaciones para la práctica el cáncer cervical es un problema de salud pública. La citología cervical es la prueba de tamizaje más utilizada; sin embargo, existen limitantes en la calidad, por lo que se proponen acciones para mejorar los conocimientos y habilidades del personal de enfermería que tiene como función la toma. La intervención educativa fue efectiva para fomentar el aprendizaje integral sobre la toma de las citologías cervicales y permitió al personal de enfermería compartir sus experiencias.

Resumo Objetivo analisar as experiências das enfermeiras na realização de esfregaços cervicais e outros fatores organizacionais durante uma intervenção educacional assistida por metodologias de b-learning. Método estudo qualitativo realizado em San Luis Potosí, México. Participaram 15 enfermeiras. A coleta de dados foi feita por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas a partir de uma sistematização de experiências. Para a análise das informações, utilizou-se o programa Taguette e metodologias de b-learning como referencial teórico. Resultados foram identificadas fragilidades em fatores relacionados com a acessibilidade dos usuários ao serviço, insumos, infraestrutura, biossegurança, capacitação da equipe de saúde, entrega de resultados aos pacientes e conhecimento do programa pelos usuários. Conclusões e implicações para a prática o câncer do colo do útero é um problema de saúde pública. A citologia cervical é o teste de triagem mais utilizado; no entanto, existem limitações na qualidade, por isso são propostas ações para aprimorar os conhecimentos e habilidades das enfermeiras que estejam desempenhando essa função. A intervenção educacional foi eficaz para promover o aprendizado integral sobre a realização do esfregaço cervical e permitiu que as enfermeiras compartilhassem suas experiências.

Abstract Objective to analyze the nursing staff's experiences in taking cervical smears and other organizational factors during an educational intervention assisted by B-learning methodologies. Method a qualitative study was carried out in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, with 15 nurses. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews based on a systematization of experiences. The Taguette program and B-learning methodologies as theoretical references were used to analyze the information. Results weaknesses were identified in factors related to the accessibility of users to the service, supplies, infrastructure, biosafety, training of health personnel, delivery of results to patients, and knowledge of the program by the users. Conclusions and implications for practice cervical cancer is a public health problem. Cervical cytology is the most widely used screening test; however, there are limitations in quality, so actions are proposed to improve the knowledge and skills of the nursing staff in their functions. The educational intervention effectively promoted comprehensive learning about taking cervical smears and allowed the nursing staff to share their experiences.

Cervical Cancer Screening with DNA-HPV Testing and Precancerous Lesions Detection: A Brazilian Population-based Demonstration Study / Rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero com teste de DNA-HPV e detecção de lesões precursoras: um estudo de demonstração de base populacional brasileiro

Abstract Objective To evaluate the rates of precancerous lesions, colposcopy referral, and positive predictive value (PPV) by age groups of a population-based screening with DNA-HPV testing. Methods The present demonstration study compared 16,384 HPV tests performed in the first 30 months of the program with 19,992 women tested in the cytology screening. The colposcopy referral rate and PPV for CIN2+ and CIN3+ by age group and screening program were compared. The statistical analysis used the chi-squared test and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results The HPV tests were 3.26% positive for HPV16-HPV18 and 9.92% positive for 12 other HPVs with a 3.7 times higher colposcopy referral rate than the cytology program, which had 1.68% abnormalities. Human Papillomavirus testing detected 103 CIN2, 89 CIN3, and one AIS, compared with 24 CIN2 and 54 CIN3 detected by cytology (p < 0.0001). The age group between 25 and 29 years old screened by HPV testing had 2.4 to 3.0 times more positivity, 13.0% colposcopy referral, twice more than women aged 30 to 39 years old (7.7%; p < 0.0001), and detected 20 CIN3 and 3 early-stage cancer versus 9 CIN3 and no cancer by cytology screening (CIN3 OR= 2.10; 95%CI: 0.91 -5.25; p = 0.043). The PPV of colposcopy for CIN2+ ranged from 29.5 to 41.0% in the HPV testing program. Conclusion There was a significant increase in detections of cervix precancerous lesions in a short period of screening with HPV testing. In women < 30 years old, the HPV testing exhibited more positivity, high colposcopy referral rate, similar colposcopy PPV to older women, and more detection of HSIL and early-stage cervical cancer.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar as taxas de lesões pré-cancerosas, encaminhamento para colposco pia e valor preditivo positivo (VPP) por faixas etárias de rastreamento populacional com teste DNA-HPV. Métodos O presente estudo de demonstração comparou 16.384 testes de HPV realizados nos primeiros 30 meses do programa com 19.992 mulheres testadas no rastreio citológico. Os programas foram comparados por taxa de encaminhamento de colposcopia e VPP para NIC2+ e NIC3+ por faixa etária. A análise estatística utilizou o teste de qui-quadrado e odds ratio (OR, na sigla em inglês) com intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. Resultados Os testes de HPV foram 3,26% positivos para HPV16-HPV18 e 9,92% positivos para 12 outros HPVs, com uma taxa de encaminhamento de colposcopia 3,7 vezes maior do que o programa de citologia, que teve 1,68% de anormalidades. O teste de HPV detectou 103 NIC2, 89 NIC3 e um AIS, em comparação com 24 NIC2 e 54 NIC3 detectados por citologia (p < 0,0001 ). O rastreio por teste de HPV no grupo etário 25 a 29 anos teve 2,4 a 3,0 vezes mais positividade, 13,0% de encaminhamento para colposcopia, 2 vezes mais que mulheres de 30 a 39 anos (7,7%; p < 0,0001 ), e detectou 20 NIC3 e 3 cânceres em estágio inicial versus nove NIC3 e nenhum câncer pelo rastreio citológico (NIC3 OR= 2,10; 96%CI: 0,91 -5,25; p = 0,043). O VPP da colposcopia para NIC2+ variou de 29,5 a 41,0% no programa de teste de HPV. Conclusão Houve um aumento significativo na detecção de lesões pré-cancerosas do colo do útero em um curto período de rastreamento com teste de HPV. Em mulheres < 30 anos, o teste de HPV exibiu mais positividade, alta taxa de encaminhamento para colposcopia com VPP semelhante a mulheres mais velhas, e mais detecção de HSIL e de câncer cervical em estágio inicial.