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Croatian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 4 No. 16, 2008.

Professional paper

Abnormal cervical cytologic findings in adolescents

Jadranko Šegregur ; Department of Women's Diseases and Obstetrics, Virovitica General Hospital
Ivica Žerjal ; Department of Women's Diseases and Obstetrics, Virovitica General Hospital

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Abstract

Aim: To determine and comparison the prevalence and dynamics of abnormal cervical cytologic findings in
adolescents and other age groups. Methods: A retrospective study based on the original database made at
Cytology Department of the Virovitica County Hospital, was performed. The source of data were cervical smears
taken from women referred for a check­up or with vaginal itching/discharge in a 5­year period (2003­2007).
Analyses were performed using age stratification and cytologic results. Results: According to the age, 38 patients
(3.7%) were adolescents (15­19 years old) and 985 (96,3%) were aged 20 or older. In 1023 (4,75%) were
found 1748 (6,43%) abnormal cervical cytologic findings. Overall prevalence of abnormal cytologic findings in
2,99% adolescents was significantly lower as compared to in 8,55% control adults group (χ2=65,030;
p=0,0001). The prevalence of CIN I in adolescents was 71,1% as compared to 42,5% in adults (χ2=12,089;
p=0,005). Presence and development of progression into a high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was
frequently observed in older women, but not significantly (p>0,05). Conclusion: Effective, developmentally
appropriate educational protocols about HPV and other most common sexually transmitted viruses and Pap tests
are important in clinical settings as cervical cancer screening. Routine testing for this population is recommended
as well as implementation of school based sexual health education because of their risk­taking sexual behavior.
Education about HPV may also prevent adverse psychosocial responses and promote healthy sexual and Pap
screening behaviors in adolescents with abnormal HPV or Pap test results. Prophylactic HPV vaccination of
females has been suggested at 10­13 years and represents an exciting means of protection against HPV related
malignancy.

Keywords

abnormal cervical cytologic finding, adolescents

Hrčak ID:

297720

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/297720

Publication date:

7.10.2008.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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