Health-related quality of life in women after colposcopy: Results from a patient survey

Publication date: 
July, 2015
Presentation type: 
Oral presentation
Cancers: 
Related staff: 
Mr Alan Ó Céilleachair (former staff)
Dr Mairead O'Connor (former staff)
Prof Linda Sharp (former staff)
Abstract: 

Background: Information concerning the health-related quality of life consequences of colposcopy is limited. As health care providers look to re-evaluate cervical cancer screening strategies and protocols to reflect vaccinated populations in the coming years, we present evidence from a patient survey.

Methods: Questionnaire packs covering anxiety, worry and health-related quality of life were mailed to women four months following an initial colposcopy at two large Dublin hospitals. Health-related quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D. Socio-demographic, clinical and treatment variables were examined for associations with health-related quality of life.

Results: In total, 429 women were recruited (response rate=73%). Of these, 415 completed the EQ-5D in full. The mean index ED-5D score for the sample was 0.90 (sd=0.16). Third level education (0.93 versus 0.88, F<0.001) and possession of a medical card or GP visit card (0.93 versus 0.83, F>0.0001) were associated with higher mean EQ-5D index score while being a current smoker (0.86 versus 0.92, F<0.001), being employed/self-employed (0.86 versus 0.92, F<0.001) or suffering from depression (0.68 for those currently suffering from depression versus 0.94 in those who had never suffered from depression, F>0.0001) were all associated with lower mean EQ-5D index scores. Of the treatment and clinical factors, mean index EQ-5D score was lower in those women whose referral cytology was “high-grade” rather than “low grade” (0.86 versus 0.91, F=0.0056). With respect to treatments received, women who underwent loop electrical excision (LLETZ) had the lowest mean EQ-5D index scores compared to women who received other treatments (0.86, versus 0.92 in those who received colposcopy only, F=0.0220).

Conclusions: A number of socio-demographic, treatment and clinical factors were found to be associated with health-related quality of life in our study. As research emerges in the coming years with respect evolving practice in cervical cancer screening programmes, consideration should be given to these factors.

Published abstract: 
No
Authors: 
Ó Céilleachair A, O'Connor M, O'Leary J, Martin C, Sharp L
Presenter: 
Mr Alan Ó Céilleachair
Conference/meeting title: 
2015 International Health Economics Association Congress
Event date: 
12 Jul 2015 to 15 Jul 2015
Venue: 
Milan, Italy

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