Demographic Factors that Predict Cervical Cancer Screenings in Ohio Women with Disabilities

Background: Cervical cancer screening (CCS) rates are lower for women with disabilities than for the general population. The purpose of this project was to describe cervical cancer screening rates in women with disabilities, living in Ohio, and explore the relationship of select demographic factors to cervical cancer screening participation. Methods: A chart audit of 350 randomly selected women with disabilities, ages 20-80, enrolled in a statewide home care waiver program was completed. Results: Less than half of the women (45.4%) had obtained a CCS within the last 3 years, compared to a rate of 82% for the general population of women in Ohio. Level of disability had a significant relationship with (p\u3c 0.05) with being screened. Controlling for age and third party insurance, the odds of being screened decreased 20% with each additional activity of daily living (ADL) requiring assistance (OR=0.815, 95% CI = .696 - .953). Marital status, geographic location, and race were not significant predictors for CCS. Conclusions: This study supports previous research indicating that extent of disability influences whether women with disabilities receive a cervical cancer screening. Future research should continue to explore possible reasons for the lower rate of utilization of CCS by women with disabilities, including the role that the primary care physician plays in this behavior