| Learning Objective #1: Identify factors that are statistically significant in cervical cancer screening participation | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Explore potential nursing interventions as an application of study findings related to participation in cervical cancer screening |
Periodic evaluation of access and participation in health care delivery allows society to identify policy needs and opportunities for innovations to increase and improve access to potentially life saving screening methods. Cervical cancer is the third most common reproductive system cancer in women, second worldwide. When detected early and with appropriate treatment and follow-up cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers with a 5-year survival rate of 91%. The Pap smear meets the full range of criteria for an effective screening modality and while overall rates of Pap smear screening are high, a significant proportion of women remain unscreened. The nursing professional can play a pivotal role in the number of women that appropriately participate in cervical cancer screening with a better understanding of the socio-demographic, psychosocial, medical, and motivational factors related to screening access and frequency.
The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to participation in screening. Using the Institute of Medicine(IOM) model of access to personal health services as a framework variables associated with participation at a national level will be examined. Since 1994 published research that specifically examined cervical cancer screening has been limited with little published using the National Health Interview Survey(NHIS) data set later than 1987. Data used in this study were obtained using the 2000 National Health Interview Survey. Significance of race, age, level of education, income, insurance, provider of care, and place of residence as variables in cervical cancer screening will be discussed in light of the findings. Recommendations for nursing interventions directed towards increasing participation and suggestions for future policy direction will be given.
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