Pap smear in antepartum women: an opportunity to screen and create awareness

Abstract

Background: Cervical and breast cancers are the leading malignancies in females in India. Cancer cervix is preventable and treatable if detected at premalignant stage. Pap smear is a recommended screening method for cancer cervix and its precursors. Pap smear screening in antenatal period presents an opportunity to screen for premalignant cervical lesions and genital infections. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of abnormal cervical smears and genital infections among antenatal women.Methods: It is a prospective study in which, 200 antenatal mothers at booking visit, were included in the study. Details on their demographic characteristics, obstetric profile, and past history of Pap test were collected. Liquid based cytology was used for the test. The cytological results were reported based on the Bethesda classification system 2001.Results: Among 200 antenatal women 57% were between 21-25 yrs of age and 18% were less than 20 years. 38% of women were less than 20 years of age at the time of beginning of sexual activity. 56% were primi gravida and others were multi gravida. 95.5 % of women were literate. 89% of women were unaware of Pap smear test. Among the 200 Pap smear reports, 23% were normal, 55.5% nonspecific inflammatory changes, 8.5% Candida infection and 13% bacterial vaginosis. None were reported with premalignant changes.Conclusions: In a population where people do not undergo Pap test due to varied reasons, antenatal Pap test not only provides an excellent opportunity to screen and create awareness for further screening, also helps detect genital infections.

Perceptions of Midwives on Pap Smear Tests during Pregnancy

“…Some of the participants feared complications which was justified by Verma et al, (2017) and Gungorduk et al, (2016). Midwives' indication of fear and uncertainty on the Pap smear test done during pregnancy in this study was anchored on the lack of knowledge and incompetency.…”

“…On the contrary, a study by Manikkam (2016) found that midwives and pregnant mothers were aware and receptive of Pap smear screening. Community education and awareness of the importance of early detections does not only curb the growth of cancer cells but also identifies sexual infections for early treatment (Ethirajan, Srinidhi and Jayashree, 2018) for screening, education and awareness that will stimulate care-seeking behaviour even after pregnancy.…”

Aspectos citológicos entre papanicolau e gravidez

“…Essa patologia é de fácil prevenção, podendo-se destacar como principais metodologias: a atenção a iniciativas de educação sexual, o uso de preservativos e a aplicação de vacinas dentro da faixa etária recomendada, além do cuidado necessário aos esquemas de realização do exame de Papanicolau (Rodrigues Rosa et al, 2018). Esse exame é considerado como o padrão ouro para o diagnóstico citológico (Ethirajan et al, 2018).…”