Cervical cancer screening in regional Hispanic populations

Objective: To examine ethnoregional differences in cervical cancer screenin g rates among 4 distinct Hispanic populations in 8 locations in the United States and the correlates of screening participation. Methods: Data were co llected through telephone surveys and analyzed for women at least 18 years old (n=3,928), using logistic regression. Results: Ethnoregional difference s in cervical cancer screening rates exist among Hispanic groups. Although some of the related factors reported in the literature were found to predic t differences in rates, the differences persisted after controlling for tho se predictive factors. Conclusion: In addition to traditional demographic f actors, other variables evidently underlie differences in Hispanics' utiliz ation of cervical cancer screening services. These variables may be cultura l and should be further investigated.