Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Undergraduate
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Community/Public Health
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in Texas among women ages 20-39 and the fifth most common among women ages 40-49. Understanding factors that influence decisions to undergo screening is crucial given that regular screenings are pivotal for the early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, thus increasing survival rates. This study aims to identify sociodemographic factors that shape Texas women’s decisions to seek cervical cancer screening.
Methods: Using the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we utilized the responses to the BRFSS question entitled “Have you ever had a Pap test?” as the outcome variable for cervical cancer screening. Males and states other than Texas were excluded, leaving 5,832 females selected for this analysis. Binary logistic regression, cross-tabulation, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results: Approximately, one in 10 women (12%) in our sample have never had a pap test. Binary logistic regression results indicated that significant differences are present among women in Texas, especially for those of Hispanic heritage, living below the poverty line, lacking health insurance, and attending less than one year of college, who are 33%, 48%, 38%, and 29% less likely to receive a cervical cancer screening, respectively.
Conclusion: The results underscore the need for targeted initiatives, such as policy changes to Medicaid access and community outreach and education programs, to improve screening rates among disadvantaged individuals. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term impact of community-based initiatives.
Recommended Citation
Kunta, Ramya; Castaneda, Ruben; Davila, Mariella Gonzalez; Hernandez, Christian; Martinez, Hannah; and Soto, Juan, "Navigating Choices: The Key Factors Shaping Women's Decisions on Cervical Cancer Screening in Texas" (2025). Research Symposium. 180.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/180
Included in
Navigating Choices: The Key Factors Shaping Women's Decisions on Cervical Cancer Screening in Texas
Background: Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in Texas among women ages 20-39 and the fifth most common among women ages 40-49. Understanding factors that influence decisions to undergo screening is crucial given that regular screenings are pivotal for the early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, thus increasing survival rates. This study aims to identify sociodemographic factors that shape Texas women’s decisions to seek cervical cancer screening.
Methods: Using the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we utilized the responses to the BRFSS question entitled “Have you ever had a Pap test?” as the outcome variable for cervical cancer screening. Males and states other than Texas were excluded, leaving 5,832 females selected for this analysis. Binary logistic regression, cross-tabulation, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results: Approximately, one in 10 women (12%) in our sample have never had a pap test. Binary logistic regression results indicated that significant differences are present among women in Texas, especially for those of Hispanic heritage, living below the poverty line, lacking health insurance, and attending less than one year of college, who are 33%, 48%, 38%, and 29% less likely to receive a cervical cancer screening, respectively.
Conclusion: The results underscore the need for targeted initiatives, such as policy changes to Medicaid access and community outreach and education programs, to improve screening rates among disadvantaged individuals. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term impact of community-based initiatives.
