Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Screening among Omani Women Attending a University Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer and Pap smear screening among Omani women attending a tertiary clinic in Muscat, Oman, and to establish correlations with selected sociodemographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at the clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, from October 2019 to February 2020. A total of 380 women were recruited. A validated Arabic-language questionnaire was utilized to collect data regarding the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of cervical cancer and related risk factors, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer screening and Pap smear testing. Results: Of the 380 respondents, 85.5% and 55.0% had previously heard of cervical cancer and Pap smear testing, respectively; however, only 26.1% were knowledgeable concerning these topics. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with various sociodemographic factors, including marital status, and a previous awareness of cervical cancer (Odds Ratio >1, p <0.05). Only 20.5% had themselves previously undergone Pap smear testing; however, 74.5% reported being willing to undergo such screening in future. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding cervical cancer-related risk factors and Pap smear screening was poor among a cohort of Omani women attending a tertiary clinic in Muscat, Oman. This may play a role in the increased frequency of cervical cancer cases observed in Oman over recent years. As such, a well-structured public awareness and educational program is recommended to raise awareness of this issue.