Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cervical lesions in married women with low socioeconomic status, and the related risk factors to provide evidence for the development of cervical cancer prevention strategies. METHODS: Descriptive analysis was employed to estimate the prevalence of cervical lesions. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to investigate the association between the related variables and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). RESULTS: Among 142,677 women aged 35-64 years, 787 (0.55%) cervical lesions were detected. Being in the age group of 35-44 years, high or technical secondary school level education, living at higher level regions of economic development, and abnormal leucorrhea were associated with increased risk of cervical lesions. Menopause was found to be protective. CONCLUSION: Married women with lower socioeconomic status had a lower prevalence of cervical lesions but had a higher prevalence of cervical cancer. Those aged 35-44 years, with high or technical secondary school level education, living at higher level regions of economic development, with abnormal leucorrhea, and who were pre-menopausal were at higher risk for cervical lesions.