Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Cervical Cancer Screening in Women Visiting a Tertiary Care Hospitals of District Rawalpindi

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer arises from cells in the cervix uteri and may not exhibit any symptoms in its initial stages. Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of cervical cancer screening in women visiting a tertiary care hospital of district Rawalpindi, and its association with their sociodemographic variables. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried at tertiary care hospital of district Rawalpindi. A total of 139 women with cervical cancer were selected through non probability purposive sampling strategy. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Pearson Chi Square test of Independence was used to determine the knowledge level of patient about their clinical and screening profile with their socio demographic characteristics Results: Majority of women (54.7%) fell within the age group of 25-34 years. Out of total, majority of respondents (57.6%) were living in urban slum. The total (40.3%) of respondents had intermediate education, and (38.1%) identified as full-time homemakers. There was a significant association between age, education, monthly income and smoking status among participants (p=0.004), (p=0.006), (p=0.000) and (p=0.001) respectively with screening profile of patients. It was also noted that working status of women, monthly income and family and friends’ cancer history were also statistically significant (p>0.05). The study results also determined that most participants showed poor awareness of their cervical cancer screening status. Contrariwise, a noteworthy majority showed a poor knowledge concerning their cervical cancer clinical profile. v Conclusion: It is concluded that most participants showed poor awareness of their cervical cancer screening status. On the other hand, a noteworthy majority acknowledged a poor knowledge concerning their cervical cancer clinical profile. Keywords: Attitude, Cervical Cancer, Knowledge, Practices, Screening in women, Tertiary care hospital, Rawalpindi.