摘要：Objectives . This study assessed the relationship between risk factors for cervical cancer and Papanicolaou (Pap) test use within the past year among reproductive-age women. Methods . The 1995 National Survey of Family Growth, a demographic and reproductive health survey of 10 847 women aged 15 to 44, was analyzed with multiple logistic regression. Results . Of the women, 62% reported having had a Pap test within the past year. Use was significantly higher among women with risk factors and among African American women. Use was significantly lower among uninsured, poor, and foreign-born women and among women with lower educational attainment and of “other” race/ethnicity. Conclusions . Strategies to improve Pap test use include (1) educational campaigns that inform women of cervical cancer risk factors and encourage screening and (2) increased support for programs that expand access to Pap tests. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by sexually transmitted infections, principally certain types of the human papillomavirus. 1, 2 All sexually active women are at risk for cervical cancer, but the disease is more common among women with certain risk factors, such as early initiation of sexual intercourse, a history of multiple sexual partners (or partners with multiple sexual partners), or a history of sexually transmitted infections. 3– 5 Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers because a precancerous condition can be identified early through the Papanicolaou (Pap) screening test. 6, 7 The incidence of precancerous lesions identified by the Pap test is highest among reproductive-age women. 8 Of the 12 900 new US cases of cervical cancer in 2001, 44% occured among women aged 18 to 44 years. 3, 9 In the United States, most organizations recommend annual Pap tests once a woman has become sexually active (or has reached age 18), with some recommending less frequent screening following 3 normal test results. 10 The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of selected risk factors for cervical cancer among reproductive-age women and to assess how the presence of risk factors is associated with Pap test use, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and health insurance status.
