SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND BEHAVIORAL RISK-FACTORS OF CERVICAL LESIONS IN ADJARA REGION (REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA)

The aim of our investigation was the study of socio-economic, demographic and behavioral risk-factors in the development of cervical lesions in Adjara region (Georgia). Material and Methods:775 women have been investigated (age 25-60 years) by ? gynecological examination, PAP-test, colposcopy, cytomorphology. Patients were divided by two groups according geographical location: Group 1 ? Rural Mountain Adjara (n=194; mean age - 41.58 ? 9.03years); Group 2 ? Urban Seaside Adjara (n=581; mean age - 40.10?8.85 years). Specific questionnaires have been used to evaluate nutritional and behavioral characteristics. Results:Cervical lesions have been identified in 89 cases. The distribution of these cases showed that the patients with cervical lesions in Group 1 (14.43%) was significantly higher than in the seaside women (9.29%; p=0.043).Married women were significantly more in group 1 compared to group 2 (p<0.001); the percentage of women with low family income in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (p<0.001). The results of the assessment of risk-factors showed that marital status was not significant; family income was not significant too. Breakfast skipping was significant risk-factor for cervical lessions(RR=2.67; p<0.001); sleep continuity (RR=1.61; p=0.041); chronic insomnia (RR=9.24; p<0.001); drowsiness (RR=34.68; p<0.001) were also significant. Conclusions:Rural Adjara habitants have significantly high prevalence of cervical lesions compared to urban habitants. Family income was main socio-economic risk-factor for the development of cervical lesions in Adjara region. Food and meal intake habits, sleep disorders were associated with cervical lesions in whole region.