Factors Associated with Self-Reported Previous HPV Testing Among Women Attending a Primary Healthcare Facility in Istanbul, Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the proportion of women attending a primary healthcare facility in Istanbul, Türkiye, who reported previous human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and to examine associated factors, particularly depressive symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 507 women aged ≥18 years attending a Healthy Life Center in 2025. Sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, awareness of HPV testing availability and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI; total score 0–63) were recorded in face-to-face interviews. Two multivariable logistic regression models, without (Model A) and with (Model B) awareness, were fitted in the 441 women aged 30–65. Results: Of these women, 239 (54.2%) reported previous testing. In Model B, previous testing was associated with age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.07 per year; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.11) and awareness (aOR = 21.35; 95% CI: 8.07–56.51). A history of pregnancy loss or curettage was also associated with previous testing, but this finding was considered exploratory. The BDI total score was not clearly associated with previous testing in either model (Model B aOR = 0.99 per point; 95% CI: 0.97–1.01). Conclusions: Awareness was strongly associated with previous testing, but because both were reported at the same interview, the direction of this association is unknown, and no effect of awareness-raising can be inferred. No clear association was found with depressive symptoms, although a modest association cannot be excluded. These clinic-based, self-reported data do not reflect population screening coverage.