Modifiable barriers to cervical cancer screening adherence among working women in Mexico

To determine predictors of adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines among women working in Monterrey, Mexico. Cases (n = 94) were sexually active female store clerks working in Monterrey, Mexico, aged 18-64, who were not adherent to Official Mexican Standard cervical cancer screening guidelines; controls (n = 135) were adherent to guidelines. The outcome of interest was adherence to cervical cancer screening services according to national screening guidelines.

Multivariate logistic regression analyzed knowledge factors and perceptions associated with adherence.

Having no or inaccurate knowledge of screening guidelines (odds ratio [OR] 11.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.3-28.5) and no knowledge of Pap examination utility (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.0-46.4) were associated with screening guideline nonadherence. Perceptions of fear/embarrassment (OR 16.2, 95% CI 5.1-51.5) and lower levels of spousal/partner acceptance (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.3-25.3) of the Pap examination were associated with screening guideline nonadherence. Results were adjusted for age at initiation of sexual activity, civil status, level of education, use of family planning/birth control, and income.

Identification of knowledge factors and perceptions that predict screening guideline adherence can inform population-specific recommendations to increase screening and reduce cervical cancer morbidity and mortality among employed Mexican women.