Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Attending a Gynecology Clinic at a Tertiary Level Hospital

Abstract

Low screening and uptake of pap smear in Nepal may be attributed to the lack of knowledge regarding the screening methods, attitude towards screening, social/economic/psychological barriers and to the death of facilities. This study was, therefore, done to carry out an in-depth analysis of attitudes, practices and knowledge of cervical cancer and screening in order to create a profile of health needs and expectations, which would help facilitate the success of future health interventions. This was a cross-sectional study done about women attending Gynaecology Clinic at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital from 13 April , 2016 to 13 April, 2017 using a pretested questionnaire. A total of 567 patients were included in the study and statistical study between different parameters was done using SPSS. 44.1% showed an adequate level of knowledge. Statistically significant correlation (p value <0.05) was noted between knowledge and education, age and living status. The level of knowledge was higher in married women. Hundred percent of the respondents in this study showed a positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening.The level of practice was low (17.6%). A statistically significant correlation was noted between level of practice and knowledge. Also practice was related to level of education (p value<0.05), age and living status. The dissemination of information about screening for cervical cancer, its usefulness and methods available on a nationwide basis especially among young women would help increase its practice among Nepalese women.