Papanicolaou-Related Factors and Mortality from Cervical Cancer in Argentina, 2009-2010

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite the usefulness of Papanicolaou test (Pap), cervical cancer (CC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in Argentina. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the relationship between Pap and sociodemographic factors, and CC mortality. METHODS: A cross-sectional and ecological study was performed. The variables analyzed were: Pap ratio, age, health coverage, unsatisfied basic needs (UBN), education level and marital status. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted, calculating OR and 95% CI. Association was considered at p<0.05. RESULTS: Taking as reference the group of 18-24 years women aged 25-34 years [OR 2.56 (CI 95%: 2.31-2.84)], 35-49 [OR 2.95 (CI 95%: 2.67-3.26)], 50-65 [OR 1.89 (CI 95%: 1.71-2.09)] and 66 or older [OR 0.63 (CI 95%: 0.57- 0.70)] had more chances of Pap. There was a higher chance of not performing Pap in women with UBN [OR 1.71 (CI 95%: 1.58-1.86)], illiterate [OR 4.12 (CI 95%: 3.29-5.19)], without health coverage [OR 1.47 (CI 95%: 1.37-1.57)] and without stable partner [OR 2.0 (CI 95%: 1.89-2.12)]. CC mortality rate in 2010 was 14.8 per 100000 women. Correlation between CC mortality rate and Pap smears was β1 =-0.20, CI 95%: -0.39 to -0.01, R2 :0.17. CONCLUSIONS: The sociodemographic factors are related to the chance of performing Pap. A higher proportion of tests will reduce the mortality rate CCU.