e20582 Background: The national health insurance policy has provided a yearly Pap smear for women >= 30 years old since 1994 in Taiwan, yet the coverage rate is still unsatisfactory. The purpose of this study is (1) to investigate the Pap smear screening history of women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer and (2) to examine factors that influence participation in Pap smear screening program in these women. Methods: Patients primarily treated for cervical cancer at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between November 2006 and June 2007 were enrolled into this prospective study. Questionnaires included (1) socio-demographic data, and (2) knowledge on Pap smear and cervical cancer. Results: Two hundred sixty-nine patients were eligible for analysis. The median age was 51 years old (range, 25–83). Of the 269 patients, 147 (54.6%) had never had a Pap smear before diagnosis, and 35 (13.0%) did not know about Pap smear. Socio-demographic factors that significantly influenced number of previous Pap smear screening (0 vs >=1) were education level, income less than 600 U.S. dollars per month, menopaused, multiple sexual partners, and increase number of sexual partners of the male consort. Of the 147 never received Pap women, the most common reasons were thought that Pap smear screening was not necessary (46.3%), embarrassment (42.0%), busy (43.5%), and worry about the screening findings (20.4%). Of the 122 patients who have received Pap smear, 56.6% patients thought that Pap smear screening was necessary, 35.2% patients worried about the disease, 24.6% were alert on their check-ups, and 20.5% did the screening for the convenience to nearby clinics. Conclusions: Public health organizations in Taiwan should put more efforts to provide women in low education level, low income and multiple sexual partners with information on Pap smear. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Description of a Pilot Anal Pap Smear Screening Program Among Individuals Attending a Veteran's Affairs HIV Clinic
