Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding cervical cancer among women in Peshawar: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer, a global menace, is the most common cancer in females worldwide, and second common cancer in Pakistan. It is preventable by detecting precancerous lesions through various screening tools, which are successful if women are aware of the problem. High female illiteracy rate along with false taboos and beliefs are factors related to increasing incidence of this disease in Pakistan.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of women in Peshawar about cervical cancer, and to identify barriers which are the main hindrances in carrying out the screening test and educating women.

Materials & Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Gynecology & Obstetrics department of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from April 2016 to June 2016 on 250 females visiting the department during the study period. Data were collected on a structured questionnaire having 25 closed ended questions by interview after informed consent and assurance of confidentiality. SPSS 16 was used for descriptive data analysis.

Results: Out of 250 females interviewed, only 25.6% knew about cervical cancer. The most common risk factor known was viral infection; only 29.6% had heard about Pap smear test while out of these 14.5% recognized it as a diagnostic measure of cervical cancer. Only 4.4% of respondents had undergone cervical screening test in the last 5 years; 18.1% respondents knew about vaccination but only 0.8% were vaccinated. The most common barriers cited for not having Pap smear test was lack of awareness and not having cervical complaints.

Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer and its screening were highly unsatisfactory among female patients coming to a tertiary care public hospital of Peshawar irrespective of their education level. Participants who knew about this deadly disease included those who themselves were diagnosed or their relatives were affected by it. Lack of knowledge about cervical cancer was due to social and cultural barriers.