Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health: Accuracy of patient self-report of screening for diabetes, high cholesterol and cervical cancer

Abstract

Objective: To determine the accuracy and clinical utility of patient self-reported screening history. Methods: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients (≥18 years; n=587) were interviewed on their screening history according to recommended time intervals; these were matched to pathology data. Results: The proportion of patients meeting screening guidelines were 32%(95%CI 26%-39%) for diabetes, 43%(95%CI 38%-47%) for cholesterol and 4.1%(95%CI 2.2%-7.3%) for cervical cancer. When patients reported having had the test, their accuracy (PPV) was low: 38%(95%CI 30%-46%) for diabetes, 47%(95%CI 42%-52%) for cholesterol, 6.5%(95%CI 3.0%-12%) for cervical cancer. However, for the minority of p..