Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Howell Sasser

Abstract

The human papilloma virus is the necessary agent in the development of cervical cancer. It is through screening exams like the Papanicolaou (Pap) test that cervical changes can be identified, and cervical cancer can be diagnosed in the early stage of cancer. The Pap test has aided in decreasing the rate of cervical cancer and the morbidity of cervical cancer. However, cervical cancer rates and mortality rates from cervical cancer are still the highest among women in Mississippi. Additionally, obesity rates among those who reside in Mississippi are the second highest in the United States. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if there was an association between obese and nonobese Mississippi women and their participation in Pap testing. Guided by Andersen’s behavioral model conceptual framework, the study focused on the extent to which race, age, educational level, income, and healthcare coverage (insured or not insured) has an effect on cervical cancer screening between obese and nonobese women who reside in Mississippi. Data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed. Results of the multiple logistic regression showed that as obesity levels of Mississippi women (Obesity I, Obesity II, and Obesity III) increased, the likelihood of participating in Pap testing decreased. Results of the multiple logistic regression also showed that age, race, income, education, and insurance coverage influenced participation in cervical cancer screening. Increasing cervical cancer screening participation among Mississippi women has important implications for positive social change, including reducing cervical cancer rates among Mississippi women by addressing sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and sociocultural barriers to Pap testing.

Download

Included in

Epidemiology Commons

Share

 
COinS