Objective Determine the effect of sociodemographic and gynaecological characteristics of Lebanese women aged 18 to 65, and the effect of their knowledge and perceptions on the prevalence of use of Pap smear.

Methods This cross-sectional study randomly sampled 2255 women. The questionnaire was based upon “Health Belief Model”. The use of Pap smear was distributed: “never”, “old”, “recent”.

Results The weighted prevalence was 35% (24% “old”, 11% of “recent”). This was significantly correlated with older age, capital residence, marital status, high education of women and husbands, with the fact that most women don't work, with higher professional level of the husband, with maximum health coverage and lesser crowding index. This prevalence was not significantly correlated with sexual practices. Knowledge did not affect significantly the practice, except knowing the utility of screening and being in contact with women who did the test or who have cancer. The use of Pap smear was significantly related to the scores of perception of susceptibility, barriers, advantages and motivators. Only the perception of severity did not significantly affect the use.

Conclusion The prevalence of use is far from international rates. The absence of national screening programs and of medical referrals explains. Although women know the utility of Pap smear, it is not knowledge of the aetiology of cervical cancer that got them one. The prevalence was blocked by:embarrassment, cost and accessibility. The perception of barriers minimised all others. This study proposes to: organise targeted campaigns, develop a national program of screening and decide of HPV vaccination.