Introduction: A screening program has been implemented in SA with intervals of 10 years after a normal cytological result. There are no studies which evaluate repeat screening at a shorter interval in SA. Aim: This study aims to find the incidence of cytological abnormalities on a repeat test after a report of normal cytology or an inadequate pap smear. The factors associated with an abnormal cytology on repeat testing will also be explored. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis of the information obtained in a trial investigating the use of the diaphragm in the prevention of HIV infection between 2004 and 2006. Women were offered a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear at the enrolment visit and again at the end of the trial. The incidence of abnormal cytology after a normal or inadequate cytology was obtained. Demographic factors, history, clinical findings and tests for STI were compared amongst women with a normal and abnormal Pap smear on repeat testing after a normal Pap smear.
Results: The incidence of cytological abnormalities was 6.48 % per annum in women with a previously normal Pap and 11.71% per annum in women with an inadequate smear result. (Log rank test for difference significant (p=0.03)). The incidence of cytological abnormalities in women with either an inadequate Pap smear or a normal Pap smear was 7.33%. However, the incidence of a high grade lesion was less than 0.5%. Factors associated with abnormal cytology in the multivariate analysis were a history of ectopic pregnancy [OR=9.25 (CI-1.78-48.03), p=0.01], number of male partners [0R=1.12 (CI-1.03-1.22),p=0.01], number of times a women was treated for an STI [OR=6.59 (1.54-28.19), p=0.01], history of vaginal discharge [OR=13.95 (1.18-164.47), p=0.00], and HIV infection [OR=6.58 (1.14-38.16),p=0.04]. Conclusion: The incidence of significant cervical lesions is low, but it would be prudent to continue to repeat those Pap smears that are found to be inadequate with the present interval of 10 years. In women with a normal Pap smear, a repeat Pap smear after 1-2 years should only be performed if clinically indicated.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/10939 |
| Date | 10 January 2012 |
| Creators | Adam, Yasmin |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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