Cervical screening: population-based comparisons between self-reported survey and registry-derived Pap test rates.
OBJECTIVE
To compare self-reported cervical screening rates, as recorded in the 1998 NSW Health Survey, with registry-based cervical screening rates for NSW for the same period; and to examine factors associated with over-estimates of cervical screening rates by self-report.


METHODS
Self-reported cervical screening data was extracted from the 1998 NSW Health Survey, biennial screening rates estimated and compared with biennial cervical screening rates for 1997-98, as recorded on the NSW Pap Test Register (PTR). Rates and differences were related to socio-demographic characteristics of the 17 Area Health Services of NSW.


RESULTS
According to the 1998 NSW Health Survey, 74% of women reported having a Pap test during the previous two years. The equivalent rate recorded on the NSW PTR for 1997-98 was 62% (p<0.0001). Among the 17 Area Health Services of NSW these differences ranged from nine to 19 percentage points. Area-specific differences between self-reported and registry-based screening rates were negatively correlated with the registry-based screening rate. Age-specific differences between self-reported and registry-based screening rates were positively correlated with registry-based screening rates. No SES, regional or migrant population characteristics were predictive of differences between recorded and surveyed screening rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Cervical screening rates in NSW derived from self-reported survey data exceed the rate recorded by the NSW Pap Test Register by 12 percentage points (equivalent to 19% inflation).


CONCLUSIONS
The data in this paper can be used indicatively where necessary to adjust for over-reporting in cervical cancer screening surveys.
Mamoon
H
H
NSW Cervical Screening Program, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville. hassan_mamoon@wsahs.nsw.gov.au
Taylor
R
R
Morrell
S
S
Wain
G
G
Moore
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D012042:Registries; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*