Passive smoke exposure and abnormal cervical cytology in a predominantly Hispanic population.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the association between passive cigarette smoke exposure and cervical cytological abnormalities in a predominantly Hispanic sample.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were collected as part of a larger, ongoing randomized clinical trial. Inclusion criteria were met by 4403 Hispanic (73%) and non-Hispanic (27%) women between 18-55 years of age (mean = 30.14 ± 8.7). Analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression determined the association between passive smoke exposure and Pap abnormality.

RESULTS

Passive smoke exposure was positively associated with having an abnormal Pap smear (odds ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.52) as was current active smoking (odds ratio 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.04). Neither effect was modified by ethnicity. Increasing hours per week of passive smoke exposure was associated with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Passive smoke exposure is an important independent risk factor for cytological abnormalities in Hispanic and non-Hispanic women. This study adds to the growing body of evidence of the dangers of passive smoke exposure.