[Differences in the factors related to the use of mammograms among Spanish women in 1994 and 2000].
BACKGROUND
The screening mammography is the most highly effective procedure for early breast cancer detection. This study is aimed at ascertaining the differences in the factors related to Spanish women 40-70 years of age having had mammograms in 1994 and 2000 and among those having had at least one mammogram within the two years prior.


METHODS
Comparison of the results of two surveys conducted in 1994 and 2000, each on samples of women representative of Spanish women 40-70 years of age (3,218 in 1994 and 2,409 in 2000). An analysis was made of sociodemographic, sociosanitary and the women's attitude and awareness-related variables.


RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were found between 1994 and 2000, the intention of having a mammogram in the future (96% in 2000 vs. 79% in 1994) (p<0.0001). A total of 59% of the 51-65 age group had a mammogram in 2000, as compared to the 50% who had one in 1994.


CONCLUSIONS
The profile of Spanish women has undergone a change from 1994 to 2000, although those women who had had a mammogram were of similar sociodemographic and sociosanitary characteristics. However, the screening is being done to a greater extent on the age 51-65 age group in 2000, and the women are showing more positive attitudes toward having a mammogram.
Luengo Matos
Setefilla
S
Agencia de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias--Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España. sluengo@isciii.es
Polo de Santos
Maria del Polo
Mdel P
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain