Abstract
Background:
Incarcerated women often access health care primarily through contact with correctional systems. Cervical cancer screening within the correctional system can address the preventable outcome of cervical dysplasia and cancer in this high-risk population.
Materials and Methods:
A search of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and
Results:
Forty-two studies met inclusion criteria. All 21 studies with prevalence outcomes described a higher prevalence of cervical dysplasia and cancer in the women involved with corrections, compared to a variety of different sources that served as community control groups. The data on screening outcomes were inconsistent. Follow-up compliance for abnormal results was poor, with a study finding that only 21% of women were rescreened within 6 months of the recommended time period. Knowledge about cervical cancer and screening was evaluated in eight studies and was poor across all studies.
Conclusion:
Women involved in correctional systems have a higher prevalence of cervical dysplasia and cancer than women in the general population. Acceptance of screening varies, and no published interventions have been shown to improve screening within the prison system. Treatment and compliance with follow-up recommendations are extremely poor and should be a focus of future research.
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