Coverage and associated factors with cervical cancer screening in Spain

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer due to vaccination and screening. In Spain 80% of new cases of cervical cancer are women that haven't ever participated in screening programmes. It is outlined if this participation is properly done and if cervical cancer screening is still a challenge for public health in Spain. Our aims are to estimate cervical cancer screening coverage, distinguishing female participation ever and participation every three years according to current recommendations, and to identify the associated factors with participation in the screening. METHODS: An analysis from a subpopulation of the European Health Survey in Spain in 2020 was conducted. Women between 25 and 65 years old that answered the Adult and Home questionnaires were included. Our main variables were “not participating ever in cervical cancer screening”, and “incorrect participation”. A descriptive analysis of the variables and logistic regression models were developed to identify the determinants for the participation in cervical cancer screening. RESULTS: 6924 women fulfilled the selection criteria. The percentage of not participating ever in cervical cancer screening was 11.7%. The percentage of incorrect regularity of participation was 18.0%. Young and elderly women, low socio-economic educational level, sedentary lifestyle, absence of private health insurance, good self-perceived health and working as informal carer were associated with deficient women's participation in screening. CONCLUSIONS: Despite high percentage of participation in cervical cancer screening, the frequency of women that participate correctly can be improved. Socio-economic factors, health perception and assurance, lifestyle, and informal care, have an influence in producing disparities in women's participation and regularity in cervical cancer screening. Future studies are needed to analyse the association among lifestyles, role of carer women and coverage of cervical cancer screening. KEY MESSAGES: • Impact of social determinants of health have been recognised in cervical cancer screening. • Specific programs for vulnerable women are needed to improve their participation in cervical cancer screening.