Association between Early Marriage and Other Sociomedical Characteristics with the Cervical Pap Smear Results in Iraqi Women

Abstract

Background: The standard screening test for cervical cancer is the Pap smear and cervical cancer is a significant health issue worldwide. Early sexual activity, multiple sexual partnerships, parity, young age at first pregnancy and early marriage are traditional risk factors for developing cervical cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of early marriage in on the results of Pap smear in Iraqi women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 women who attended the Women Health Clinic of Al-Elwiya Maternity Teaching Hospital, Baghdad for the pe-riod from November 2013 to April 2014. Data were collected through direct interview and a pre-pared questionnaire including patients' characteristics and Pap smear results. Results: Mean age of studied women was 39.9 ± 11.4 years and mean age of marriage was 19 ± 5 years. Abnormal Pap results were reported in 63.5% of them. A significant association was observed between abnormal Pap smear and each of age 20 -30 years, ≤18 years age at marriage, marriage duration >10 years, irregular menstrual cycle, tubal ligation and abnormal medical history (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Early marriage was strongly associated with abnormal Pap smear results in Iraqi women.