Cervical Cancer Screening in Regional Hispanic Populations

Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH; Lucina Suarez, PhD; Alfred McAlister, PhD; Roberto Villarreal, MD; Edward Trapido, ScD; Gregory A. Talavera, MD, MPH; Eliseo J. Perez-Stable, MD; Jose Marti, MD 

Objective: To examine ethno-regional differences in cervical cancer screening rates among 4 distinct Hispanic populations in 8 locations in the United States and the correlates of screening participation. Methods: Data were collected through telephone surveys and analyzed for women at least 18 years old (n=3,928), using logistic regression. Results: Ethno-regional differences in cervical cancer screening rates exist among Hispanic groups. Although some of the related factors reported in the literature were found to predict differences in rates, the differences persisted after controlling for those predictive factors. Conclusion: In addition to traditional demographic factors, other variables evidently underlie differences in Hispanics' utilization of cervical cancer screening services. These variables may be cultural and should be further investigated.

Am J Health Behav 2000;24(3):181-192