title: Factors associated with the use of pap smear testing in Greece.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe the rate of Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test use among women participating in a breast cancer screening program in Greece and to determine related factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between March 2004 and July 2009, 9682 women aged between 40 and 69 years were recruited into the program. Baseline sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were recorded, together with familial medical history and the last time they had undergone a Pap test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Almost 7% of the participants had never had a Pap test, and 28.8% had not had one within the last 3 years. Factors that were found to be independently associated with never receiving a Pap test or with not having one within the last 3 years included age, educational status, marital status, area of residence, health insurance, nationality, oral contraceptive use, cancer family history, body mass index (BMI), and stability of menstrual cycle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rate of Pap test use is high among women who reside in Greece, although it is possible that this rate is a little overestimated. Specific programs should be developed and implemented that aim to increase awareness of the benefits of regular cervical cancer screening among specific subgroups of women.
authors.affiliation: Centre for the Prevention of Breast Cancer, General Oncology Hospital Agioi Anargyroi, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Effie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Simou
authors.forename: Nikos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maniadakis
authors.forename: Athanasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pallis
authors.forename: Emanouel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Foundoulakis
authors.forename: Georgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kourlaba
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*