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Article
Violence against Women Raises Risk of Cervical Cancer
Journal of Women's Health (2009)
  • Ann L. Coker, University of Kentucky
  • Claudia Hopenhayn, University of Kentucky
  • Christopher P. DeSimone, University of Kentucky
  • Heather M. Bush, University of Kentucky
  • Leslie Crofford, University of Kentucky
Abstract
Background: An emerging literature suggests that violence against women (VAW), particularly sexual violence, may increase the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and, therefore, may be associated with cervical cancer development. The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis was to determine if women who had experienced violence had higher prevalence rates of invasive cervical cancer. Methods: Women aged 18–88 who joined the Kentucky Women’s Health Registry (2006–2007) and completed a questionnaire were included in the sample. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to adjust odds ratio (OR) for confounders (e.g., age, education, current marital status, lifetime illegal drug use, and pack-years of cigarette smoking). Results: Of 4732 participants with no missing data on violence, cervical cancer, or demographic factors, 103 (2.1%) reported ever having cervical cancer. Adjusting for demographic factors, smoking, and illegal drug use, experiencing VAW was associated with an increased prevalence of invasive cervical cancer (adjusted OR [aOR]¼2.6, 95% CI¼1.7-3.9). This association remained significant when looking at three specific types of VAW: intimate partner violence (IPV) (aOR¼2.7, 95% CI¼1.8-4.0), adult exposure to forced sex (aOR¼2.6, 95% CI¼1.6-4.3), and child exposure to sexual abuse (aOR¼2.4, 95% CI¼1.4-4.0). Conclusions: Rates of cervical cancer were highest for those experiencing all three types of VAW relative to those never experiencing VAW. Because VAW is common and has gynecological health effects, asking about VAW in healthcare settings and using this information to provide tailored healthcare may improve women’s health outcomes.
Keywords
  • violence against women,
  • cervical cancer
Publication Date
2009
Publisher Statement
This is a copy of an article published in the Journal of Women’s Health © 2009 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.; Journal of Women’s Health is available online at: http://online.liebertpub.com/loi/jwh
Citation Information
Ann L. Coker, Claudia Hopenhayn, Christopher P. DeSimone, Heather M. Bush, et al.. "Violence against Women Raises Risk of Cervical Cancer" Journal of Women's Health Vol. 18 Iss. 8 (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/anncoker/55/