Correlates of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Adult Latino Women: A 5-Year Follow-Up.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Latinas have the highest incidence rates of cervical cancer in the United States, and Latinas in the United States are less likely to utilize cervical cancer screening. METHOD: We used secondary data analysis of a non-clinical convenience sample (n=316 women at baseline; n=285 at five-year follow-up) to examine correlates of cervical cancer screening among adult Latina women. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models using Generalized Estimated Equations (GEE) algorithm were utilized to assess the influence of the independent variables. RESULTS: Women who reported their main healthcare source as community health clinics, women who were sexually active, and women who reported that a healthcare provider discussed HIV prevention with them were more likely to report having a cervical cancer screening (aOR=2.06; CI=1.20, 3.52). CONCLUSION: The results suggest a need for continued efforts to ensure that medically underserved women (e.g., Latina women) receive counseling and education about the importance of preventive cancer screening.