AN EXAMINATION OF DIFFERENTIAL FOLLOW-UP RATES IN CERVICAL-CANCER SCREENING

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that follow-up ra tes for women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results vary by age, ethnicity, and initial screening results in California's Breast a nd Cervical Cancer Control Program. The sample consisted of women in t he screening program who received an abnormal cervical screening resul t (N=1,738). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were utilized to examine variables that account for differences in follow up rates a mong these women. Bivariate analysis showed significant differences by age, race/ethnicity, initial screening results, and urban/rural resid ence. In logistic regression analysis, these variables also retained s ignificance. Severity of diagnosis was a highly significant predictor of follow-up. Women of color, older women, and women with less severe diagnoses should be targeted as groups needing assistance in adhering to follow-up recommendations.