Investigating Cervical Cancer Screening Utilization and Outcomes Among Women with and Without Substance Use Disorder
Location
LSUHSC-NO
Publication Date
April 2026
Start Date
9-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
9-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Women's preventative health screenings play a critical role in the detection and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Pap smear screening identifies precancerous cervical cells with the goal of early intervention. In 2021, 24% of women ages 25-65 were overdue for cervical cancer screening. Screening rates are lower among populations facing socioeconomic and systemic barriers to participating in preventative healthcare, including patients who are uninsured, immigrants, or living in high-poverty regions such as the southern United States. Women with substance use disorder (SUD) are particularly at-risk for not being screened due to factors including unstable housing and stigma in the medical system. There is limited research investigating the utilization and outcomes of pap smear screenings among women with SUD in the south.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the completion rates and results of pap smear screenings among female patients with and without SUD.
Data Collection and Analysis: This retrospective chart review aims to examine medical records from approximately 300 female patients, including 150 patients with a documented SUD diagnosis and 150 patients without a documented SUD diagnosis, seen at the UMC Women's Health Clinic between 2015 through 2025. SUD diagnoses are defined according to DSM-5 criteria. The following outcomes will be evaluated -1) percentage of completed pap smears out of recommended pap smears determined by age and result-based screening guidelines for each patient 2) distribution of pap smear screening results by severity using the Bethesda System categories. Data collection and analysis are currently ongoing.
Anticipated Impact: This study expects to show lower pap smear screening rates and a higher prevalence of abnormal cytology among women with SUD compared to women without SUD. Findings may support the integration of behavioral health services within women's health clinics to encourage preventative healthcare utilization among vulnerable patient populations.
Recommended Citation
Boudreaux, Madison MS3 and Catanzarite, Kaitlynn PsyD, "Investigating Cervical Cancer Screening Utilization and Outcomes Among Women with and Without Substance Use Disorder" (2026). Dept. of Psychiatry Research Symposium. 25.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/psych_rd/2026/posters/25
Investigating Cervical Cancer Screening Utilization and Outcomes Among Women with and Without Substance Use Disorder
LSUHSC-NO
Introduction: Women's preventative health screenings play a critical role in the detection and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Pap smear screening identifies precancerous cervical cells with the goal of early intervention. In 2021, 24% of women ages 25-65 were overdue for cervical cancer screening. Screening rates are lower among populations facing socioeconomic and systemic barriers to participating in preventative healthcare, including patients who are uninsured, immigrants, or living in high-poverty regions such as the southern United States. Women with substance use disorder (SUD) are particularly at-risk for not being screened due to factors including unstable housing and stigma in the medical system. There is limited research investigating the utilization and outcomes of pap smear screenings among women with SUD in the south.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the completion rates and results of pap smear screenings among female patients with and without SUD.
Data Collection and Analysis: This retrospective chart review aims to examine medical records from approximately 300 female patients, including 150 patients with a documented SUD diagnosis and 150 patients without a documented SUD diagnosis, seen at the UMC Women's Health Clinic between 2015 through 2025. SUD diagnoses are defined according to DSM-5 criteria. The following outcomes will be evaluated -1) percentage of completed pap smears out of recommended pap smears determined by age and result-based screening guidelines for each patient 2) distribution of pap smear screening results by severity using the Bethesda System categories. Data collection and analysis are currently ongoing.
Anticipated Impact: This study expects to show lower pap smear screening rates and a higher prevalence of abnormal cytology among women with SUD compared to women without SUD. Findings may support the integration of behavioral health services within women's health clinics to encourage preventative healthcare utilization among vulnerable patient populations.