@article{ref1,
title="Domestic violence is a leading risk factor in default from colposcopy services",
journal="Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research",
year="2014",
author="Collier, Rachael and Quinlivan, Julie A.",
volume="40",
number="6",
pages="1785-1790",
abstract="AIM: Domestic violence is common in women and is associated with poorer health-care outcomes. However, no causal pathway has been identified to explain this observation. We have followed a cohort of women to determine whether poorer outcomes can be explained by high rates of default and loss to follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed. Institutional ethics approval was obtained. Participants were consecutive patients attending colposcopy clinics at a major metropolitan hospital in Australia. Following ascertainment of domestic violence status, appointment outcomes for colposcopy services were tracked for a 3-year period. Multivariate analysis was undertaken to determine demographic factors associated with default from care and loss to follow-up. <br><br>RESULTS: Of 581 women approached, consent was obtained from 574 women (99%). Domestic violence status was obtained from 566 women, of whom 187 (33%) had a recent history of exposure. Women exposed to violence were more likely to default from colposcopy once (26.2% vs 7.4%; P < 0.0001), twice (11.2% vs 3.2%, P = 0.0001), or thrice (10.7% vs 2.4%, P < 0.0001). They were more likely to be lost to follow-up (8.0% vs 1.1%, P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, exposure to domestic violence remained significantly associated with default and loss to follow-up. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Domestic violence is a risk factor for default from attendance and loss to follow-up at colposcopy services. This may explain the mechanism behind adverse health-care outcomes seen. Screening and targeted appointment intervention programs may improve clinical compliance.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1341-8076",
doi="10.1111/jog.12413",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jog.12413"
}