The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66094

Tess Aldrich, ScM¹, Davida Becker, ScM², Sandra G. Garcia, ScM, ScD³, and Diana Lara, MD¹. (1) Regional Research Associate, Population Council, Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean - Mexico City, c/o 1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, 001-5255-5999-8630, taldrich@popcouncil.org.mx, (2) Regional Project Coordinator, Reproductive Health Program, Population Council, Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean - Mexico City, c/o One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, (3) Director of Reproductive Health for Latin America and the Caribbean, Population Council, Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean - Mexico City, c/o One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among women of reproductive age in Mexico. Evidence clearly links this cancer to the sexually transmitted pathogen human papillomavirus (HPV), but public health messages seldom mention this connection; in fact, how such information could actually benefit women is unclear. Our study aimed to assess Mexican physicians’ knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer and their opinions on screening and counseling women on these topics.

We surveyed 1,206 general practitioners (GPs) and obstetricians-gynecologists working in a nationally representative sample of urban public and private facilities in Mexico. Physicians with a minimum of three years’ professional experience were eligible.

Most physicians (80%) identified HPV as the principal cause of cervical cancer, but many GPs and specialists lacked detailed knowledge about this association. Over half of all providers reported to regularly counsel women about the relationship between unprotected sex and cervical cancer during routine Pap tests. Nearly all (98%) felt that women in the general public should be informed that HPV causes cervical cancer, and roughly 75% felt this information could even help reduce stigma associated with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Nevertheless, physicians identified potential problems to positioning cervical cancer as an STI, such as difficulty in partner relationships, confusion, and unnecessary anxiety among women.

Conclusions: Mexican physicians generally believe that women should know about the link between HPV and cervical cancer; however, further studies should focus on developing effective counseling and education strategies, as well as improving providers' own knowledge on the topic.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Describe Mexican providers' knowledge related to HPV and cervical cancer etiology, screening and treatment.
  7. Evaluate providers' current screening and counseling practices with respect to HPV and cervical cancer, and how these practices relate to Ministry of Health guidelines on cervical cancer prevention and treatment in Mexico.
  11. Articulate providers' opinions on the implications of better informing women about the link between HPV and cervical cancer, as well as strategies for communicating and disseminating this information.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, STD

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.