Socio-Economic Determinants of Pap Smear among Women in SMIMS

A pap test can detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in the vagina and cervix.⁽¹⁾. The cells are smeared onto a slide and examined under a microscope. A Pap test can identify abnormal cells and detect changes before cancer has fully developed.⁽²⁾ Direct smear method has been used for a long time, and is relatively inexpensive. Cell samples are placed directly on a glass slide and sent to the lab. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly from pre-cancerous cells. By detecting changes early, treatment can be used to prevent cervical cancer from developing.⁽³⁾ The Pap Smear, now a standard cancer screening test for all women, has greatly reduced the death rate for cervical cancer patients worldwide.⁽⁴⁾

Aim is to study the profile of cervical smear cytology in women attaining SMIMS Hospital.

Routine cytological evaluation of cervical smear is carried out in women aending Outpatient Department (OPD) at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam. Study Design – Cross Sectional. Study Period – 1^st January 2014 to 31^st December 2014. Sample size is 375. Statistical test used are mean, SD, chi square test.

Results are Mean age at marriage is 19.3 years, 1.4% women have two or more sexual partners. Statistical association is present between multiparty and development of dysplasia or cervical cancer. Women that used OCP showed 5.8% of metaplastic cells in their pap smears. Postcoital bleeding is the chief complaint in 19 (5.06%) patients.

Significant association is present between multiparty and development of dysplasia or cervical cancer.36% women belong to class IV: Upper lower class.38% women are between 30–39 years age group.