Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention Uptake in Females with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This study looked at cervical cancer prevention in autistic girls and women. It found that many aren't getting important vaccines or screening tests. Only about half got the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer, and only 38% of women got pap smears. Those with language difficulties or intellectual disabilities were less likely to receive these services. This puts autistic females at higher risk for cervical cancer.

This study examined cervical cancer prevention and screening uptake among 181 females with autism spectrum disorder aged 11-65 years through an online survey. Results showed suboptimal rates: 56% of adolescents and 47% of adults received at least one HPV vaccine dose, with only 41% and 34% respectively being fully vaccinated. Among adults eligible for screening, only 38% had received a pap smear. Language impairment was associated with lower HPV vaccination rates, while language impairment, intellectual disability, non-independent living, and lower education were linked to reduced pap smear uptake.

The findings highlight significant gaps in preventive healthcare access for autistic females, indicating increased vulnerability to cervical cancer.

Results indicate urgent need for healthcare system improvements to support cervical cancer prevention in autistic females. Targeted interventions should address barriers for those with language impairments and intellectual disabilities. Healthcare providers need training on autism-informed care for reproductive health services.

Single survey study with potential selection bias from clinical referral cohort. Sample size not clearly reported. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference. Online survey format may exclude those with greater support needs or limited digital access.

This study reports on uptake rates of cervical cancer prevention and screening in a clinically-referred cohort of adolescent and adult females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Females with ASD (11-65 years) were invited to participate in an online survey to report on uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Participants also provided demographic and clinical information. Chi-square statistical analysis was utilized to examine the relationship between categorical variables and receipt of cervical cancer prevention and screening.

Forty-one out of 73 (56%) of adolescent (11-17 years) and 51/108 (47%) of adult (≥ 18 years) females with ASD reported having received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Only 30/73 (41%) and 37/108 (34%) of adolescents and adults respectively, were fully vaccinated (≥ 2 doses). Language impairment was the only clinical factor found to be associated with non-receipt of the HPV vaccine. Thirty-one out of 82 (38%) adult females (≥ 21 years) with ASD had received at least one pap smear.

Language impairment, intellectual disability, non-independent living, and lower level of education were all associated with not receiving a pap smear. Females with ASD are vulnerable to invasive cervical cancer disease due to low uptake rates of the HPV vaccine and routine pap smear screening.