Interactive effects of individual and neighborhood race and ethnicity on rates of high-grade cervical lesions

Cancer Epidemiol. 2014 Jun;38(3):248-52. doi: 10.1016/j.canep.2014.03.004. Epub 2014 Apr 4.

Abstract

We estimated the main and interactive effects of individual race/ethnicity (black, Hispanic, white) and area race, ethnicity, and poverty (proportions of the female population black, Hispanic, and living below the federal poverty level at the census tract level, respectively) on rates of high-grade cervical lesions among young women. Using data from a statewide surveillance system during 2008-2011, we found a marginally significant interaction (P<0.05) between individual race/ethnicity and area race, with black and Hispanic women living in areas with ≥20% of the female population black having elevated rates compared to those living in areas with <20% of the female population black. These findings indicate a possible synergistic effect between individual race/ethnicity and racial composition in neighborhoods on precancerous cervical lesions.

Keywords: Ethnicity; Health disparities; High grade cervical lesions; Interaction; Race; Synergy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Connecticut / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Poverty
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data*
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / epidemiology
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / ethnology
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / ethnology*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology
  • Young Adult