Factors determining performance of cervical cytology and follow-up visits to a gynaecologist among nurses from the Subcarpathian and Lubelskie voivodeships

Introduction
Cervical cytology is the basic test in early diagnosis of cervical cancer. The Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians recom-mends performing regular cytology tests from 25 years of age or a maximum of 3 years after the sexual initiation. Diagnosing pre-cancerous changes is helped by regular visits to the gynaecologist.

Aim of the study
To analyse factors determining performance of cervical cytology and follow-up visits to gynaecologist among nurses.

Material and methods
The study included 184 nurses living in the Subcarpathian and Lubelskie voivodships. The survey method was used with the question-naire created by authors for this study. The 2 test was used for the statistical analysis with p < 0.05 agreed as the level of statistical sig-nificance.

Results
Every second nurse stated that a cytological test had been performed in the last 12 months, and every third revealed that one had been performed more than a year ago. 6.5% of nurses had never had a cytological test performed. The percentage of nurses who performed cytology increased with age. The average age of first visit to the gynaecologist in the study group was 20.34 years (SD 2.652). Most of the nurses reported having their own gynaecologist mostly in the private clinics. The most common reason for visits to the gynaecologist in the surveyed group was to check the state of health, pregnancy and appearance of disturbing ailments.

Conclusions
Socio-demographic factors differentiated nurses in terms of participation in cytological screening and visits to the gynaecologist. Most nurses abide principles of performing cytological screening and undergoing a gynaecological examination. It is a disturbing fact that near-ly half of nurses surveyed reported visit to gynaecologist only in case of appearance of ailments. Due to the professional tasks nurses undertake and their engagement in primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer, efforts should be made to increase their aware-ness regarding participation in screening.