Abstract

Significant controversy has existed in the areas of management of women with cervical cytological diagnoses of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and ASCUS suggestive of human papillomavirus (HPV). The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of cervical dysplasia in women with and without cytology suggestive of HPV in order to improve patient management. The Bethesda System was utilized as the basis for a conceptual physiological framework. Orem's self-care theory was shown to support the framework. The researcher hypothesized that there would be no difference in the incidence of cervical dysplasia in women with cytology suggestive of HPV and women without cytology suggestive of HPV. This retrospective study utilized a convenience sample (N = 58) drawn from a population consisting of records of women (N = 442) with cytology reported as ASCUS from an area in the southeastern United States. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Descriptive statistics confirmed an incidence of cervical dysplasia in women with ASCUS (n = 42) of 3 0.95% and an incidence of cervical dysplasia in women with ASCUS suggestive of HPV (n = 16) of 18.75%. This finding represents a 65% higher incidence of cervical dysplasia in the women with Pap reports of ASCUS without evidence of HPV. Utilizing contingency tables and chi-square analysis, no significant difference between the two subsets and the incidence of dysplasia emerged, X^(l, N = 58) = 0.8629, p < .05, p = 0.353. Therefore, the researcher concluded no difference in the incidence of cervical dysplasia in women with cytology reports of ASCUS and women with cytology reports of ASCUS suggestive of HPV existed and accepted the null hypothesis. Findings indicated the need for further research and closer monitoring of patients with cytologic diagnosis of ASCUS and ASCUS suggestive of HPV. Nurse practitioners must assume responsibility to conduct research in the area of ASCUS and ASCUS suggestive of HPV to extend theory and knowledge while functioning as primary care providers for women. Management of cytology reports will be an important component of clinical practice and involve intervention, educative and supportive nursing functions.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

7-1-1995

Publication Number

27924646

First Advisor

Dr. Melinda Rush

Second Advisor

Dr. Mary Patricia Curtis

Third Advisor

Lorraine Hamm

Document Type

Thesis

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