Publication:

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to cervical cancer screening in adult women: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Background The Pap smear is a reliable, inexpensive and effective screening test for cervical cancer; the second most common cancer among women worldwide. We aimed to determine women’s knowledge, attitudes and practice towards Pap smear and barriers for the screening in a public hospital.

Methods It was a hospital based cross sectional study on 300 women who were interviewed face-to-face with a structured questionnaire regarding their socio demographic features (8 questions), knowledge (20 questions), attitudes (7 statements) and practice (undertook test or not) towards Pap smear.

Results A total of 320 women were approached for interview of which 300 responded of which 33.33% had heard of cervical cancer. At least one symptom and one risk factor were known to 13.33% and 20% participants. Only 31.33% participants had heard, and 6.67% actually underwent screening test, however, 76.25% of the participants expressed a favourable attitude for screening.

Conclusions Education level influences attitude towards screening and actual practice depends on age, income, and marital status. This study shows that despite the fact that women had suboptimal level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer, their attitude is favourable for screening. The knowledge and practice of women was inadequate and needs to be promoted.