Related Experiment Videos
Cervical screening in migrants to Australia
R J Taylor1, H A Mamoon, S L Morrell
1NSW Cervical Screening Program, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
|April 12, 2001
Summary
Pap test screening rates in Australia showed differences based on country of birth. Reported Pap test use improved between 1989/90 and 1995 for most migrant groups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Cervical cancer screening through Pap tests is crucial for early detection.
- Understanding Pap test utilization across diverse populations is vital for health equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze disparities and temporal changes in self-reported Pap test rates among migrant women in Australia.
- To compare Pap test uptake between 1989/90 and 1995 Australian National Health Surveys (NHS).
Main Methods:
- Utilized unit record data from the 1989/90 and 1995 Australian National Health Surveys (NHS).
- Examined 'ever had a Pap test' and 'had a Pap test within three years' outcomes.
- Analyzed data by country of birth and language spoken at home, using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Women born in Southern Europe, Italy, the Middle East, and South-East Asia reported lower rates of ever having a Pap test compared to Australian-born women.
- Overall reported Pap test rates increased significantly from 1989/90 to 1995 across most groups, including non-English speakers.
- Lower rates of recent Pap testing (within three years) were observed for women from the UK, Middle East, Greece, and South-East Asia.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations in Pap test behavior exist based on country of birth in Australia.
- Improvements in reported Pap test screening rates were observed between 1989/90 and 1995 for most migrant groups.