Genotype profile of HPV in ASC-H cytology and histologic follow-up-prevalence, distribution, and risk: A retrospective study of 1414 cases.

BACKGROUND: A cytologic diagnosis of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous lesion (ASC-H) poses a disproportionately high risk of cervical cancer development. The objective of this study was to analyze type-specific risks by mapping human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in ASC-H cytology. METHODS: In total, 1,048,581 Papanicolaou tests that had ASC-H cytology were retrieved. Concurrent HPV genotyping using proprietary multiplex real-time (MRT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) HPV tests and histologic follow-up findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 1678 patients who had ASC-H findings (0.16%), 1414 (84.3%) underwent concurrent HPV genotyping (MRT, 857; HPV PCR test, 557). The overall high-risk HPV (hrHPV)-positive rate was 84.4%. Of the 857 MRT cases, 63.9% were infected with a single hrHPV, and 24.4% had multiple genotypes. The most prevalent HPV types were HPV16/52/58/33/31. Lesions that were identified as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or worse (CIN2+) were detected in 498 of 906 cases (55.0%), including 81 cervical carcinomas (8.9%). The risk of CIN2+ for the composite group of HPV16/52/58/33/31-positive cases was 62.7%, representing 90.7% (264 of 291) of total CIN2+ lesions in ASC-H/hrHPV-positive cases by MRT. CIN2+ lesions were detected in 108 of 142 (76.1%) HPV16-positive and/or HPV18-positive women by the PCR the HPV test. Among 128 hrHPV-negative ASC-H cases by both methods, CIN2+ lesions were identified in 21 of 128 (16.4%), including five cervical carcinomas (3.9%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for patients in the composite group with HPV16/52/58/33/31 were 88.0%, 40.8%, 62.7%, and 75.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Papanicolaou tests classified as ASC-H are associated with a high CIN2+ rate and warrant colposcopy, regardless of HPV status. The extent to which the risk-stratification provided by comprehensive HPV genotyping can inform the management of ASC-H cytology remains to be explored.

Impact of mobile health technologies on human papillomavirus vaccination uptake among mothers of unvaccinated girls aged 9-14 years in Lagos, Nigeria (mHealth-HPVac): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of effective vaccines, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains low in most resource-limited settings including Nigeria. Mobile health technology (mHealth) has the potential to empower patients to manage their health, reduce health disparities, and enhance the uptake of HPV vaccination. AIM: The "mHealth-HPVac" study will assess the effects of mHealth using short text messages on the uptake of HPV vaccination among mothers of unvaccinated girls aged 9-14 years and also determine the factors influencing the uptake of HPV vaccination among these mothers. METHODS: This protocol highlights a randomised controlled trial involving women aged 25-65 years who will be enrolled on attendance for routine care at the General Outpatient clinics of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria between July and December 2024. At baseline, n = 123 women will be randomised to either a short text message or usual care (control) arm. The primary outcome is vaccination of the participant's school-age girl(s) at any time during the 6 months of follow-up. The associations between any two groups of continuous variables will be assessed using the independent sample t-test for normally distributed data, or the Mann-Whitney U test for skewed data. For two groups of categorical variables, the Chi-square (X2) test or Fisher's exact test will be used, as appropriate. Using the multivariable binary logistic regression model, we will examine the effects of all relevant sociodemographic and clinical variables on HPV vaccination uptake among mothers of unvaccinated but vaccine-eligible school-age girls. Statistical significance will be reported as P < 0.05. DISCUSSION: The mHealth-Cervix study will evaluate the impact of mobile technologies on HPV vaccination uptake among mothers of unvaccinated but vaccine-eligible school-age girls in Lagos, Nigeria as a way of contributing to the reduction in the wide disparities in cervical cancer incidence through primary prevention facilitated using health promotion to improve HPV vaccination uptake. REGISTRATION: PACTR202406727470443 (6th June 2024).

Women's country of birth and failure to catch up an overdue cervical cancer cytological screening participation during pregnancy in France, an observational study based on survey sources.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, both for incidence and mortality. Prevention relies on screening with a Pap test to detect precancerous lesions, which can then be treated. Access to this screening is currently both improvable and inequitable. Pregnancy may be an ideal moment for women to catch up on their overdue cervical cancer screening. In the general population, women's risk of not being screened is associated with their place of birth and other social factors; this may be true as well among pregnant women. Our objective was to study the association between women's place of birth and their failure to catch up with this screening during pregnancy. METHODS: The 2016 French National Perinatal Survey included 13,147 women who gave birth after 21 weeks of gestation. The association between their place of birth and failure to catch up on this screening (defined by the absence of a Pap test during pregnancy for women overdue for it) was adjusted for age, parity, education level, health insurance, and when they began prenatal care with logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among the women for whom screening was then recommended, 49% were not up to date at the start of pregnancy, and of these, 53% were not caught up before delivery. After adjustment for other risk factors, maternal place of birth was not associated with a higher risk of failure to catch up with this screening during pregnancy. However, factors identified as associated with this risk included a low education level and late start of prenatal care. CONCLUSION: About half of women overdue for cervical cancer screening did not catch up with it during their pregnancy. Professionals should pay special attention to women with lower education levels and late initiation of prenatal care, who constitute a group at high risk of not catching up on this screening during pregnancy.

Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Reduces High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus Viral Load in Cervical Cell Samples Derived from ThinPrep Pap Test.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and its progression still represent a great medical challenge worldwide. Clinical evidence has demonstrated the beneficial effects of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) on HPV clinical manifestations; however, evidence of the effect of this molecule on HPV viral load is still lacking. In this in vitro study, 13 ThinPrep Papanicolaou (Pap) tests were treated with a PHMB solution (0.10 g/100 mL) for 2 h. We observed no cytological changes but a significant reduction in the viral load of high-risk (HR) HPV after PHMB treatment, also revealing a dose-dependent antiviral effect. In addition, by stratifying the obtained results according to HR-HPV genotype, we observed a significant reduction in the viral load of HPV 16, P2 (56, 59, 66), 31, and P3 (35, 39, 68) and a strong decrease in the viral load of HPV 45, 52, and P1 (33, 58). Overall, 85% of the analyzed cervical cell samples exhibited an improvement in HPV viral load after PHMB exposure, while only 15% remain unchanged. For the first time, the data from this pilot study support the activity of PHMB on a specific phase of the HPV viral lifecycle, the one regarding the newly generated virions, reducing viral load and thus blocking the infection of other cervical cells.

Cervical precancerous and cancerous lesions screening using Pap smear test at Provincial Referral Hospital of Bukavu, Eastern DR Congo: profile and recommendations to stakeholders.

Introduction: cervical cancer is a health concern worldwide. The South Kivu Province in the Eastern DR Congo is facing many cases of this disease but poorly screened and reported. The objective of this was to determine the prevalence of cell abnormalities at cervical cytology in a tertiary teaching hospital in Bukavu and their association with common risk factors of cervical cancer. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted on 142 women attending the Provincial Referral Hospital of Bukavu (HPGRB) from February to December 2021. Quantitative variables were described by their median following their asymmetric distributions and the qualitative variables in absolute and relative frequencies. Then the Chi-square test was used for the comparison of proportion. Results: forty-five percent of the participants had between three and five children. Twenty-two (15.5%) of the 142 patients reported to have two or more sexual partners and 17.5% reported the use of hormonal contraception. The prevalence of cell abnormalities at cervical cytology was 17% of which Low- Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL) was the most representative (12.9%). There was no statistically significant association between the common cervical risk factors and the occurrence of cell abnormalities. Conclusion: cervical pre-cancerous lesions are frequent in South Kivu province. The Pap smear test remains an early and affordable screening method and constitutes a secondary prevention strategy in women of 18 years and older in a low-income country such as DR Congo where vaccination against HPV is still hypothetic.

Factors Associated With the Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Family Medicine Physicians, Compared With Women of the Community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the ninth diagnosed cancer among Saudi women. The majority of cervical cancer cases occur in women who did not undergo screening. However, the screening rates in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, remain suboptimal. It is important to identify the factors associated with the uptake of screening and predictors of screening in order to increase the uptake rate. AIM: To determine the factors associated with the uptake of cervical cancer screening among family medicine physicians (FMPs), compared with women of the community. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the central region (Riyadh), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from February 2021 for 12 months on female physicians and women of the community. An electronic questionnaire was used to investigate the demographics of women and variables related to the uptake of screening. RESULTS: A total of 126 FMP and 127 women from the community were included. The factors affecting screening among FMP included age (P=0.013), health insurance (P=0.002), availability of Pap smear (P˂0.001), and physician encouragement (P˂0.001). The factors affecting the screening of community women included the availability of Pap smears (P˂0.001) and physician encouragement (P˂0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that physician encouragement of Pap smear was a significant predictor of screening among FMP (OR=8.26, P˂0.001) and community women (OR=6.67, P˂0.001). The perceived benefit was the only predictor for screening among FMP (OR=0.75, P=0.004). CONCLUSION: The uptake of cervical cancer screening was higher in the community women. The factors linked to the uptake differed among the two groups, but the support of doctors played a significant role in the likelihood of uptake, regardless of the group of women. It is recommended to enhance the guidance of medical personnel in recommending screening during clinic visits for the specific target group. Additionally, there should be increased education on the significance of screening and efforts to educate the community about cervical cancer and screening.

Atypical glandular cells in Pap tests: cytology-histology correlation and risk assessment with human papillopmavirus (HPV) testing.

INTRODUCTION: Atypical glandular cells (AGC) represent less than 1% of Pap test cases and include a variety of lesions in both the cervix and endometrium. The study aimed to investigate the cytology-histology correlation in AGC patients and to evaluate the clinical utility of hrHPV testing in this diagnostic context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 491 atypical glandular cells (AGC) cases in our quality analysis (QA) database of 336,064 Pap tests interpreted between March 1, 2013 and July 12, 2016. Of these, 251 cases had follow-up biopsies with hrHPV tests in 148 cases. RESULTS: The most common histologic diagnosis associated with AGC was normal/benign or low-grade lesions, comprising 55% of cervical biopsies and 24% of endometrial biopsies. High-grade lesions were identified in 21% of follow-up biopsies. In patients with AGC cytology, a positive hrHPV test significantly increased the likelihood of cervical HSIL or above lesions on biopsy by 26.4 times (OR = 26.4, 95% CI: 5.8-119.4, P < 0.0001). A positive genotyping result for HPV 16 dramatically increased the likelihood of cervical HSIL or above lesions on biopsy (OR = 84, 95% CI: 12.0-590.5, P < 0.0001). The HPV test had a negative predictive value of 97% (CI: 85%-100%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that AGC is a significant diagnosis with an overall risk for high-grade cervical or endometrial lesions as high as 21%. hrHPV testing with genotyping is an effective tool for identifying high-risk individuals within the AGC population, with excellent positive and negative predictive values. This approach is valuable for clinical risk stratification and differential diagnosis in patients with AGC cytology.

Community cervical cancer screening and precancer risk in women living with HIV in Jos Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: High HIV prevalence, and lack of organized screening for the indigent population receiving care and treatment within HIV clinics in low-resource settings increases cervical cancer incidence. We sought to determine predictors of cervical precancer in women living with HIV and receiving cervical cancer screening in Jos, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of women living with HIV and receiving care and treatment in adult HIV/AIDS clinics in Jos-Metropolis, Nigeria between June 2020 and April 2023. Ethical approvals were obtained from the ethics committee in Jos, Nigeria and Northwestern University IRB, USA. Informed consent was obtained from eligible participants, and data on socio-demographics, cancer risk factors, and cytology reports were collected. The outcome variables were cervical precancer lesions. The independent variables were prior Pap smear status, socio-demographics, income, educational, and other reproductive health factors. Descriptive statistics was done to obtain means ± sd, frequencies, and percentages for the variables. Univariate and bivariate analyses were done to determine predictors of cervical dysplasia. Analyses were performed using R software. RESULTS: Of 957 women screened, 570 were living with HIV and 566 women had cytology report and were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 45.08 ± 8.89 years and 81.6% had no prior evidence of Pap test (under-screened). Prevalence of cervical dysplasia was 24% (mild and severe dysplasia were 12.9% and 11.1%, respectively). Age above 45 years (aOR = 3.48, p = 0.009), postmenopausal status (aOR = 7.69, p = 0.000), and women with no history of prior IUCD use (aOR = 5.94, p = 0.0001), were predictors for severe dysplasia. Women who had history of STI (aOR = 0.17, p = 0.000), prior use of IUCD (aOR = 0.32, p = 0.004), prior use of condom (aOR = 2.50, p = 0.003) and had co-morbidities (aOR = 0.46, p = 0.009) were more likely to have had a Pap test in the past. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of indigent women receiving care at HIV clinics had their first Pap test screening, and lack of organized screening among older and post-menopausal women with HIV, puts women at a higher risk of developing severe cervical precancer lesions.

Assessing Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening with Pap Test by Disability Types.

Prior research has found that women with disabilities have often experienced disparities in receipt of cervical cancer screening. However, there is a research gap regarding receipt of cervical cancer screening by types of disability. This study examined the differences in receiving cervical cancer screening through self-reported Pap testing among women by disability type. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor and Surveillance System (BRFSS). The relative risk of cervical cancer screening through self-reported Pap tests received within the past three years among women aged 21-65 by disability type was compared using modified Poisson regression with robust error variance. A total of 307,142 women from across the USA were sampled. In every disability group, older women were significantly less likely to receive Pap tests than their counterparts without disabilities. Women with multiple disabilities (aRR=0.91; 95% CI, 0.89-0.94) and those with ambulatory disabilities (aRR=0.93; 95% CI, 0.91-0.97) reported being less likely to receive Pap tests than women with no disability. Ambulatory disability and multiple disabilities are associated with a lower likelihood of cervical cancer screening with Pap test, increasing the need to eliminate disability-specific disparities in Pap testing. Future efforts should focus on improving cancer education programs tailored to the needs of women with disabilities, addressing barriers related to mobility and access to healthcare services, and ensuring equitable access to preventive screenings.

Challenging lesions in cervical cytology: The elusive HSIL.

Cervical cytology has been an integral part of cervical cancer screening since the mid-20th century with the implementation of screening protocols utilising Pap testing. During that time, cervical cancer has gone from the leading cause of cancer deaths in women to not even appearing in the top 10 causes of US cancer deaths. However, despite its long and widespread use, cervical cytology remains a diagnostically challenging area in the practice of cytopathology. Of particular importance for diagnosticians is the accurate diagnosis of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), given the significant risk of progression to invasive cervical cancer and the importance to patient management. Therefore, this review is presented in order to highlight the diagnostic features of HSIL, its various appearances, and important benign and neoplastic differential considerations with an emphasis on morphological clues that can aid in distinguishing between these different processes.

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.

Surviving the Storm: The Impact of COVID-19 on Cervical Cancer Screening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the cervical cancer screening rate dropped by 84% soon after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges facing cervical cancer screening were largely attributed to the required in-person nature of the screening process and the measures implemented to control the spread of the virus. While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening is well-documented in high-income countries, less is known about the low- and middle-income countries that bear 90% of the global burden of cervical cancer deaths. In this paper, we aim to offer a comprehensive view of the impact of COVID-19 on cervical cancer screening in LMICs. Using our study, "Prevention of Cervical Cancer in India through Self-Sampling" (PCCIS), as a case example, we present the challenges COVID-19 has exerted on patients, healthcare practitioners, and health systems, as well as potential opportunities to mitigate these challenges.

"Doing it on my own terms": Transgender and nonbinary adults' experiences with HPV self-swabbing home testing kits.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) carries a significant health risk for people with a cervix. Among transgender and nonbinary people, however, testing and treatment for HPV can pose difficulties, and even be traumatic at times. This current study is part of a larger mixed methods study conducted in Michigan in 2020, and it explores the experiences of transmasculine and nonbinary people with at-home self-swabbing HPV test kits and knowledge of HPV transmission/screenings. Phenomenological methods were used by conducting virtual qualitative interviews with ten transmasculine and nonbinary individuals with cervixes, ages 23-59. Interviews were independently coded by members of the research team and a tabletop theming method was used. Four themes were generated from the data: 1) Multilevel barriers; 2) "Get it done, so I know that I am safe"; 3) Contrasting preferences for care; and 4) Community calls for change. The discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for improving sexual health care for the transgender and nonbinary community, along with directions for further research.

Rates of Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cervical Cancer: A Study in a Province in the South of Italy.

In Italy, cervical cancer represents the fifth most prevalent cancer in women under 50 years of age and is one of the most commonly detected lesions globally. Given the developing burden of the disease and the availability of both primary and secondary prevention measures, their accurate surveillance is of paramount importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trends in cervical cancer screening adherence in the period between 2020 and 2022, as well as to evaluate positive tests, identifying the most frequently associated genotypes and the vaccination coverage. The study sample was made up of 6880 women from the health district of Messina. We highlighted that there was a high proportion of positive results in the investigated period, with a high prevalence of HSIL. Moreover, HPV vaccination coverage was clearly inadequate, as was adherence to screening, both far away from WHO goals. This finding is probably linked to inadequate communication and awareness of the issue in the population and to the lack of data relating to tests carried out privately. In accordance with existing data in the literature, the introduction of the HPV-DNA test in Sicily made it possible to identify women positive for the genotypes most frequently involved in the etiopathogenesis of neoplastic lesions (genotypes 16 and 18), as well as for those in the "others" category, which should be investigated because some of them could have an impact on carcinogenicity and, for this reason, a future vaccine including them could represent a new prevention weapon.

An exploratory study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HPV associated anal cancer among Pakistani population.

Background: Anal cancer, mainly attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is rising in prevalence among the general population in Pakistan. This study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards anal cancer screening and HPV of the general population in Pakistan. Method: We surveyed anal cancer KAP using social media and snowball sampling from December 2022 to May 2023. The questionnaire had 16 knowledge, 12 attitudes, 6 practice questions, and socio-demographic variables. We applied validity criteria for inclusion and exclusion and used cutoffs ≥50% for each KAP category. We analyzed data in R with Guttman's λ2 for reliability, did univariate and bivariate analysis, and reported frequencies, percentages, p-values, coefficients, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals. Results: We surveyed 1620 people and discovered low awareness of HPV and anal cancer causes prevention, and screening (11%-24%), high stigma and embarrassment for screening (54%-70%), strong moral beliefs (89%), condom nonuse (91%), and low engagement in health services and programs (9.1%-14%). Knowledge (75.23%, OR = 1.0984, p = 0.05) was shaped by socio-demographic factors, attitude, and practice, with higher education enhancing knowledge (OR = 1.0984, p = 0.05). Attitude (78.45%, OR = 6.6052, p< 0.001) was influenced by socio-demographic factors, practice, and knowledge as well. Younger females, single, unemployed, students, living with more family members, earning more income, and residing in Islamabad had a more positive attitude (ORs from 1.0115 to 6.6052, p< 0.05), while religion did not affect attitude (p = 0.51). Practice (9.16%, OR = 0.1820, p< 0.001) was determined by socio-demographic factors, knowledge, and attitude. Older males, employed teachers, living with more family members, earning less income, and residing in Islamabad had better practice (ORs from 0.1323 to 3.8431, p< 0.05), but marital status and religion did not influence practice (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Pakistani young adults need more education, awareness, health services, and programs on HPV and anal cancer, as they have low awareness, high stigma, and socio-cultural challenges. In addition, it is recommended for more research and policy initiatives are needed to address socio-cultural factors and increase anal Pap to overcome anal cancer.

Differences in breast and cervical cancer screening between West and East Germany: a secondary analysis of a german nationwide health survey.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer and cervical cancer are among the most common cancers in women in Germany. Early detection examinations such as mammography and the cervical smear test (Pap-test) have been shown to contribute to the reduction in the mortality and/or incidence of these cancers and can be utilised free of charge by women in certain age groups as part of national screening programmes. Analyses show that the use of health services varies regionally, especially when comparing the federal states of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR, Eastern Germany) and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG, Western Germany). This study investigated to what extent the utilisation of mammography examinations and Pap-tests by women differs in federal states of former GDR and FRG. METHODS: For this purpose, we analysed data from the nationwide health survey GEDA14/15 conducted by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in 2014 and 2015. We calculated weighted proportions and compared attendance between eastern and western German states by a Chi-Square-test. Additionally, we conducted regression analysis to adjust for socio-economic status, living environment and place of birth. RESULTS: 2,772 female participants aged 20-34 years were analysed for Pap-test attendance in the last two years and 4,323 female participants aged 50-69 years old were analysed for mammography screening attendance in the last two years. 50-69-year-old women in eastern German states were with 78.3% (95%-CI 75.3%, 81.2%) more likely to attend mammography screening than in western Germany with 73.4% (95%-CI 71.8%, 74.9%). Pap-test uptake was statistically significantly higher in the East of Germany with 83.3% (95%-CI 79.6%, 87.1%) compared to 77.5% (95%-CI 75.8%, 79.3%) in the West of Germany. This relationship was robust to adjusting for socio-economic status, living environment and place of birth. CONCLUSIONS: Cultural influences and socialization in the GDR might explain the higher utilisation of these cancer screening examinations at least to some extent. This could have many reasons, for example a higher health awareness through education or a possible greater trust in medical structures and the associated higher compliance of women. These hypotheses should be further explored to increase the uptake of screening examinations by women in Germany.

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.

Accuracy and Reproducibility of Cytology Triage in a HPV-Based Primary Screening Setting: A Revision of 384 Pap Tests.

INTRODUCTION: After the transition toward the HPV-based screening protocol, which has led to an increase in sensitivity, and in order to bring the specificity back to acceptable values, cytology underwent a change of approach, becoming a triage test. For these reasons, in the Tuscany region (after the recommendations of the GISCi document), it was decided to reduce, as much as possible, the use of ASC-US category in cytology triage, classifying these morphological cases as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancies (NILM) or LSIL, basing on the grade of nuclear atypia. So, in Italy, in a cytology triage context (HPV primary screening), a modified Bethesda system (TBS) is currently used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the review activity of 384 cytology triage cases and of the cervical cancer screening indicators (sensitivity and specificity for CIN2+ lesions) using the TBS 2014 or the modified TBS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 384 HPV positive cases at one-year recall (192 with a cytology result of NILM both at baseline and at one-year recall; 192 with a cytology result of NILM at baseline but abnormal at one-year recall), all with a histologically confirmed result (128 CIN2+, 256 ≤ CIN1), were selected, and their baseline Pap tests were reviewed in blind mode by 5 expert cytologists. RESULTS: The cytological results of NILM were confirmed for 92.5% and 83.8% of cases using TBS 2014 or modified TBS, respectively. 20/128 CIN2+ cases could have been reported at the baseline cytology triage, causing an anticipatory effect and an improvement in sensitivity of the screening protocol at baseline (+15.6%). Using TBS 2014, the number of false positives more than tripled with respect to the modified TBS 2014, with a significant increase in unnecessary colposcopies (+11.4%). CONCLUSION: This work demonstrated that a greater expertise of cytologists, acquired during the following 3 years of experience with cytological triage, and a strong IQC system could lead to the identification of a significant number of lesions reported to baseline rather than at one-year recall (diagnostic anticipation).

Usability and Satisfaction Testing of Game-Based Learning Avatar-Navigated Mobile (GLAm), an App for Cervical Cancer Screening: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Barriers to cervical cancer screening in young adults include a lack of knowledge and negative perceptions of testing. Evidence shows that mobile technology reduces these barriers; thus, we developed a web app, Game-based Learning Avatar-navigated mobile (GLAm), to educate and motivate cervical cancer screening using the Fogg Behavioral Model as a theoretic guide. Users create avatars to navigate the app, answer short quizzes with education about cervical cancer and screening, watch videos of the screening process, and earn digital trophies. OBJECTIVE: We tested ease of use, usefulness, and satisfaction with the GLAm app among young adults. METHODS: This mixed methods study comprised a qualitative think-aloud play interview session and a quantitative survey study. Participants were cervical cancer screening-eligible US residents aged 21 to 29 years recruited through social media. Qualitative study participants explored the app in a think-aloud play session conducted through videoconference. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis to identify themes of ease of use, usefulness, and content satisfaction. Qualitative study participants and additional participants then used the app independently for 1 week and completed a web-based survey (the quantitative study). Ease of use, usefulness, and satisfaction were assessed using the validated Technology Acceptance Model and Computer System Usability Questionnaire adapted to use of an app. Mean (SD) scores (range 1-7) are presented. RESULTS: A total of 23 individuals participated in one or both study components. The mean age was 25.6 years. A majority were cisgender women (21/23, 91%) and White (18/23, 78%), and 83% (19/23) had at least some secondary education. Nine participants completed the think-aloud play session. Direct content analysis showed desire for content that is concise, eases anxiety around screenings, and uses game features (avatars and rewards). Twenty-three individuals completed the quantitative survey study. Mean scores showed the app was perceived to be easy to use (mean score 6.17, SD 0.27) and moderately useful to increase cervical cancer screening knowledge and uptake (mean score 4.94, SD 0.27). Participants were highly satisfied with the app (mean score 6.21, SD 1.20). CONCLUSIONS: Survey results showed participants were satisfied with the app format and found it easy to use. The app was perceived to be moderately useful to inform and motivate cervical cancer screening; notably, the screening reminder function was not tested in this study. Qualitative study results demonstrated the app's ability to ease anxiety about screening through demonstration of the screening process, and brevity of app components was favored. Interpretation of results is limited by the predominantly cisgender, White, and educated study population; additional testing in populations which historically have lower cervical cancer screening uptake is needed. A modified version of the app is undergoing efficacy testing in a randomized clinical trial.