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Cervical cytology use in Portugal: Results from the National Health Survey 2014
Author(s) -
Rukhadze Londa,
Lunet Nuno,
Peleteiro Bárbara
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1111/jog.13974
Subject(s) - medicine , cytology , cervical cancer , cervical cancer screening , socioeconomic status , family medicine , health care , confidence interval , gynecology , demography , environmental health , cancer , population , pathology , sociology , economics , economic growth
Aim Given the disparities across regional cervical cancer screening programs implemented in Portugal, understanding the patterns of cervical cytology use is essential to improve cervical cancer control. We aimed to describe the use of cervical cytology and identify factors associated with its non‐ and underuse. Methods A total of 5884 women aged 25–64 years were evaluated as part of the National Health Survey 2014. Previous use of cervical cytology was classified as never or ever, and ever‐users having undergone the latest testing more than 5 years before were considered under‐users. We computed age‐ and education‐adjusted prevalence ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for non‐ and underuse. Results Overall, 13.2 and 12.0% of women reported nonuse and underuse of cervical cytology, respectively. The Norte region presented the lowest prevalence of nonuse and R.A. Açores the highest. Low socioeconomic status and unhealthy lifestyles were significantly associated with low cervical cytology use, whereas greater use was observed in those having more recent contact with health services. Conclusions Cervical cytology use was shown to differ according to sociodemographic characteristics and access to/use of healthcare services. Large regional variations persist in Portugal despite organized screening programs that cover most of the country.