Demographic characteristics associated with Pap test screening among Alaskan women

Background: While many studies have examined demographic characteristics associated with participation in Pap test screening little research has been done specific to the Alaskan population. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic characteristics associated with Pap test screening among Alaskan women. The demographic characteristics considered in this study were relationship status, age, income, education, employment status, health care coverage, and race. Methods: The study analyzed a subsample of women from the 2008 Alaska Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 1,270). Bivariate (chi-square and t-test) and multivariate analyses (logistic regression) were conducted to assess factors associated with Pap test screening. Results: Based on bivariate analysis, a significantly greater proportion of women who have health insurance (89%), are in a relationship (68%), have income above $50,000 (59%), and have at least some college education (69%) have had a Pap test screening in the past three years compared to their counterparts. The mean age of women who have had a Pap test in the past three years is also significantly younger (42 years +/- 12.63 SD) than women who have not (45 years +/- 14.36 SD.). Based on logistic regression, demographic characteristics independently associated with Pap test screening include those who are in a relationship (OR = 1.66), have health care coverage (OR = 2.46), and are younger (OR = 0.98). Conclusions: Study findings suggest that in Alaska public health practitioners should design media campaigns focusing on no- or low-cost screening options available to women without health care coverage.