Inequalities in the use of mammography in Spain: effect of caring for disabled family

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between caring for disabled household members and the use of mammography in Spain during the 2 years before the interview.

Methods: Weighted cross-sectional data from the 2006 National Health Survey in Spain. Using logistic regression models we analyzed the association between the dependent variable and caring for disabled family members.

Results: After adjusting for predisposing, enabling and need determinants of the use of mammography screening, having primary caregiving responsibilities for disabled family members-dependent persons, was associated with a lower probability of having received a mammogram (OR 0.56; 95 % CI 0.32-0.98).

Conclusions: Although women in Spain have incorporated mammography into their preventive healthcare regimen, inequalities in its use persist in some groups of women such those with primary caregiving responsibilities for disabled family members.