Abstract
Background Although adolescent girls are relatively reliable in their report of other STD, their reliability of report and understanding of HPV infections and cervical dysplasia are much lower. This study sought to address the issue of self-reports regarding Pap smears and STD history among young adolescent girls. Methods Adolescent girls were recruited from an adolescent clinic. 71 reported consensual sexual experience, of whom 68 had usable data. They received a questionnaire regarding sexual history and demographics, and a chart review for past history. These girls had a mean age of 14.8 (± 0.9), mean age of menarche 11.4 (± 1.2), and were 76% African-American, 24% Caucasian. Subjects were asked, “Have you ever had an abnormal Pap smear?” Their responses were compared to documented history, analyzing younger (age ≤ 15 years) to older (age ≥ 15) separately, and using warts and/or dysplasia as one outcome, and warts, dysplasia, and/or another STD as another outcome. Results sensitiv’y specifc’y predict value 17% 84% 20% 40% 95% 40% > 15 yrs, warts or dysplasia 88% 74% 50% > 15 yrs, warts/dyspl or STD 56% 76% 71% Conclusions Inquiring about a history of an abnormal Pap smear among younger adolescents has a poor sensitivity in screening for HPV infections; this is less so in screening for a history of any STD. Care providers must recognize the difficulty patients have in understanding this abstract concept.
Published Version
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