Loss to Follow-Up and the Care Cascade for Cervical Cancer Care in Rural Guatemala: A Cross-Sectional Study

More than 80% of cervical cancer cases and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Here, we analyze a large geographically extensive cross-sectional data set from the Western rural highlands of Guatemala. Our objective is to better characterize weak points in care along the cervical cancer care continuum and investigate sociodemographic and clinical correlates of loss to follow-up.

We conducted a retrospective review of electronic health records data from July 21, 2015, through December 10, 2020 for a cytology-based screening and cervical cancer treatment program. We used a care cascade analysis to characterize the progression of individuals through screening, confirmatory testing, and treatment. We examined demographic and clinical factors correlated with screening and loss to follow-up using multivariate logistic regression.

A total of 8,872 individuals were included in the analysis. Five thousand nine hundred thirteen cervical cancer screenings were conducted. 4.1% of all screening tests were abnormal, including 0.61% cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or overt cervical cancer. Care cascade analysis showed that 67% of eligible women accepted screening. Of those requiring confirmatory testing or treatment, 73% completed recommended follow-up. In adjusted multivariable analysis, prior history of sexual transmitted infection, prior experience with cervical cancer screening, older age, and current contraceptive use were associated with accepting screening. Age and contraceptive use were also associated with retention in care after a positive first screen.

In a large rural Guatemalan retrospective cohort, a care continuum analysis showed that both declining the opportunity to receive cervical cancer screening as well as declining confirmatory testing after a first positive screen were both important weak points along the care continuum. These data support the need for comprehensive and culturally appropriate initiatives to improve screening uptake and retention in care.