Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, but low awareness and low uptake of screening services are significant public health problems. The study objective was to assess and find out the knowledge and attitudes of women visiting a tertiary care hospital regarding the screening of cervical cancer. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 300 women who were chosen by random method of sampling. A structured questionnaire, which included sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, and knowledge about cervical cancer screening, was utilized to collect data. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were used, and the Chi-square test was applied, with p<0.05 being statistically significant. Results: The average age of the individuals was 36.8 ± 10.7 years. Overall, approximately 131 (43.7%) of women possessed good knowledge, while 169 (56.3%) had poor knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening. While 223 (74.3%) were mindful of cervical cancer, 158 (52.7%) were aware of the Pap smear test, 125 (41.7%) knew about HPV infection, and HPV vaccination awareness was 115 (38.3%). More than 227 (75.7%) of participants demonstrated positive attitudes toward cervical cancer screening. Knowledge was significantly related to educational level and occupation (p < 0.001, p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusion: Despite limited knowledge, women had positive attitudes toward cervical cancer screening. Increasing public awareness, education, and provider counseling could help increase uptake of cervical cancer screening and play a part in early detection and prevention.