Perceptions of Anal Cancer Risk Among HIV-Positive and High-Risk HIV-Negative Women

Jessica Wells, Rasheeta Chandler, Lisa Flowers, Sudeshna Paul, Anjali Sharma, Nia Kalifa, Marcia Holstad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Women living with HIV (WLWH) have a greater risk of anal cancer than women without HIV; however, there are limited studies that examine awareness of anal cancer risk among WLWH and "high-risk"HIV-negative women. This study examines risk factors for anal cancer, perceptions of risk for anal cancer, and perceptions of anal cancer screening among a cohort of WLWH and high-risk HIV-negative women. Materials and Methods: From the Atlanta, GA, and Bronx, NY, sites of the Women's Interagency HIV Study, 155 WLWH and HIV-negative women were enrolled and the Champion Health Belief Model Scale questionnaire measuring risk perceptions to anal cancer was administered to each participant. Results: The WLWH perceived anal cancer to be less serious and perceived facing fewer barriers to anal cancer screening than HIV-negative women (both p =.01). Older women (≥50 years) felt that they had less barriers to anal cancer screening (p =.047). Moreover, women who had less than a high school education felt more susceptible to anal cancer (p =.001), as did women who reported a history of anal intercourse (p =.017). Conclusions: Despite being at an increased risk for anal cancer, perceptions of susceptibility to anal cancer and seriousness of anal cancer were low among WLWH. These findings highlight opportunities for provider and patient educational interventions to improve awareness of anal cancer risk among WLWH.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)181-185
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of lower genital tract disease
Volume26
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2022

Keywords

  • HIV
  • HPV knowledge
  • anal cancer
  • anal cytology
  • cancer prevention
  • cancer risk
  • health promotion
  • risk perceptions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Perceptions of Anal Cancer Risk Among HIV-Positive and High-Risk HIV-Negative Women'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this