Association of missed cervical cancer screening with sociodemographic characteristics and depression in women age 25-64 years

Abstract

Introduction: There is evidence that cancer screening and similar health interventions in patients with mental illnesses in some countries remain suboptimal. Considering the high prevalence of depression among women in Vojvodina, this study aimed to estimate the association of reduced utilization of cervical screening tests with sociodemographic variables and with depression. Aim: Considering the high prevalence of depression among women in Vojvodina, this study aimed to estimate the association of reduced utilization of cervical screening tests with sociodemographic variables and with depression. Material and Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study on 1,226 women age 25-64 years from the Province of Vojvodina, as a part of the National Health Survey. To determine the impact of the time when the last smearing test was done (as a dependent variable) on sociodemographic characteristics and depression binary logistic regression model (Enter) was implemented. Models were adjusted for age, type of settlement, education, material status (wealth index), employment status, having a gynecologist in stateowned and private practice, and depression. Results: Out of the total, 555 women (59.7%) missed the cervical smear test in the last 12 months. Women with a secondary school were more likely to miss the cervical smear test in the last 12 months (OR=1.62; 95% CI=1.13-2.33) as well as women age 50-64 years (OR=1.45; 95% CI=0.99-2.13). Women without gynecologist in either a state-owned or private health practice had 4.13 and 2.20 higher odds of not done cervical smear tests during the last 12 months. Conclusion: The results show that special attention should be paid by physicians to identifying disorders in women, which can lead to neglect of their health, and reduced health control.

Keywords

• cervical smears
• depression
• mental health
• female