Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV Test among Females with Diabetes in the Deep South

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Diabetes is linked with poorer cervical cancer prognosis, and people residing in the Southern region of the U.S. are disproportionately diagnosed with diabetes and cancer. The HPV test was recently recognized as the preferred method of cervical cancer screening by the American Cancer Society. Through our observational study, we sought to investigate the HPV testing behaviors among females with and without diabetes across the U.S. Our nationally representative estimates reveal that less than half of females reported HPV testing, and females with diabetes in the Deep South have the lowest rates of HPV testing. Various risk factors were identified to significantly lower the odds of HPV testing, including a diabetes diagnosis, older age, living in the Southern region of the U.S., and absence of certain comorbidities. The lower rates of HPV testing among females with diabetes, especially those living in the Deep South, leave these populations vulnerable to cervical cancer. ABSTRACT: Background: Due to diabetes being linked with poorer cervical cancer prognosis, this study aimed to evaluate HPV testing behaviors among females with and without diabetes across the U.S. by geographic area in 2016, 2018, and 2020. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 2016, 2018, and 2020. The study population included females aged 25–69 years old, stratified by self-reported diabetes status. The primary outcome measure was cervical cancer screening behavior, which was evaluated by self-reported HPV test uptake/receipt (yes/no). Results: A total of 361,546 females from across the U.S. were sampled. Within the study population combined from all study years, the overall likelihood of receiving an HPV test was significantly lower among females with diabetes [37.95% (95% CI: 36.87–39.04)] compared to those without diabetes [46.21% (95% CI: 45.84–46.58)] (p < 0.001). Screening rates with HPV tests were lowest among females with diabetes in the South in 2016 (29.32% (95% CI: 26.82–31.83)), 2018 (39.63% (95% CI: 36.30–42.96)), and 2020 (41.02% (95% CI: 37.60–44.45)). Conclusions: Females with diabetes are screening with HPV tests less frequently than females without diabetes, and females living in the South, particularly states in the Deep South, report the lowest rates of HPV testing.