Determinants of adequate follow-up of an abnormal Papanicolaou result among Jamaican women in Portland, Jamaica.
BACKGROUND
Among Jamaican women, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality but factors that facilitate follow-up of women receiving abnormal Pap smear results are not known. We examined whether socio-demographic factors, factors reported by the women, and assistance received for follow-up facilitate adequate follow-up of abnormal Pap smears.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty-one women who had abnormal Pap results during June 1998-September 2005 in Portland, Jamaica were interviewed to identify determinants of adequate follow-up. Chi-square, t-test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify determinants.


RESULTS
Only half of the women in this sample sought adequate follow-up. These women had a lower number of surviving children, higher monthly income, and perceived the cost of services to be inexpensive. Advice about the timing of the follow-up activity and the next step to take by the healthcare workers were significant determinants of adequate follow-up. Women who received advice on the timing of follow-up were almost six times (adjusted OR: 5.99, 95% CI: 1.17, 30.66, p<0.05) more likely to seek adequate follow-up after adjusting for other factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Perceived low cost of services as well as assistance provided by healthcare workers regarding follow-up action helps to facilitate adequate follow-up of abnormal Pap smear results.
Jeong
Su Jin
SJ
Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, USA. goldie27@uab.edu
Saroha
Ekta
E
Knight
Jeremy
J
Roofe
Michele
M
Jolly
Pauline E
PE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007563:Jamaica; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D010349:Patient Compliance; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D055815:Young Adult; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy