Prevalence and determinants in cytology testing for cervical cancer screening in Spain (2006-14)

Cervical cancer has decreased in developed countries thanks to cytology screening programmes. The aims of this study were To analyse the frequency and evolution of performing cytology tests and to determine the variables that influence their use.

Cross-sectional study of non-institutionalized women who participated in the national health survey (2006, 2011/12) and the European Health Survey in Spain (2009, 2014). Study variables: cytology-testing, time since last cytology-test, reason for performing the test, age, nationality, marital status, social status, education level and place of residence.

The study evaluated 53 628 women in Spain over 15 years old, with a mean age of 52.68 (SD ± 19.12). About 94.1% were Spanish, 49.2% were married and 77.2% lived with a partner. In 2014, 72% had a cytology test, a number that increased significantly. Women aged 25-65 were 5.13 times more likely to undergo a cytology test than those aged 15-24 years old (odds ratio (OR): 5.13; P < 0.001); women with university educations were 9.23 times more likely to undergo a cytology test than those without university educations (P > 0.001); those of social classes I and II (high) were 1.2 more likely to undergo a cytology test than those of low social class (P = 0.026); and Spanish women were 1.74 times more likely to undergo a cytology test than foreigners living in Spain (P < 0.001).

Frequency of cytology testing has increased in the last few years. Screening for cervical cancer is associated with higher social status, education level, age, and not being foreign.