Physical examination

National Survey of Family Growth

Pelvic examination

Cervical cancer

Environmental health

Family planning

Gynecological Examination

Cervical cancer screening

Population

Internal medicine

Pharmacology

Obstetrics

Confidence interval

Odds ratio

Gynecology

Medicine

Pill

Pap test

Cancer

Logistic regression

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Research methodology

Journal of Adolescent Health

Purpose Current guidelines recommend that individuals receive their first Pap test at age 21 years and only receive a pelvic examination before age 21 years for clinical indications. We sought to determine the prevalence and associated covariates of receiving a pelvic examination or Pap test before 21 years of age. Methods We analyzed the 2013–2015 National Survey of Family Growth. We conducted bivariate analyses comparing individuals who had and had not had a pelvic examination or Pap test and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with having a pelvic examination or Pap test under 21 years. Results This study included 1,170 individuals. Of respondents, 30.8% received a pelvic examination and 25.1% received a Pap test before 21 years of age. Receiving a pelvic examination was associated with being sexually active (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8–11.7), having ever taken contraceptive pills (aOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.6–4.1) compared with no contraceptive method, and being screened for sexually transmitted infections in the past 12 months (aOR: 12.6, 95% CI: 7.3–21.8). Receiving a Pap test was also associated being sexually active (aOR: 7.2, 95% CI: 3.7–14.0), having ever taken contraceptive pills (aOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.9–4.7) compared with no contraceptive method, and being screened for sexually transmitted infections in the past 12 months (aOR: 8.94, 95% CI: 5.12–15.61). Conclusions Contrary to contemporary guidelines, a notable proportion of individuals under the age of 21 years continues to receive pelvic examinations and Pap testing.

Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Receiving a Pelvic Examination or Pap Testing Under the Age of 21 Years