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Equity in the access to mammography in Spain
1Health Services Research Unit, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Only 28% of Spanish women aged 40-70 accessed mammography in 2 years. Key factors for access include gynecologist visits, screening programs, and physician referrals. Educational interventions can improve mammography access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Mammography screening significantly reduces breast cancer mortality.
- Equitable access to effective health procedures is crucial.
- Factors influencing mammography access require analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure mammography access in Spanish women aged 40-70.
- To identify factors associated with mammography access.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional population-based survey of 3218 women (aged 40-70) in Spain.
- Multi-stage stratified cluster sampling.
- Individual oral interviews using a standardized questionnaire (March-May 1994).
Main Results:
- Only 28% of women had a mammogram in the preceding 2 years.
- Access strongly associated with gynecologist visits, residence in Navarre, and physician referral.
- Multivariate analysis: gynecologist visits (OR=8.71), screening programs (OR=7.64), and physician referral (OR=4.78) were key factors.
Conclusions:
- A small proportion of Spanish women benefit from mammography.
- Equitable breast cancer screening programs and physician/patient education are needed.
- Interventions can reduce inequalities and increase mammography access in Spain.