Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women Attending Gynecology Clinics at Tertiary Care Hospitals in the Capital City of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the current level of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding cervical cancer (CC) screening among women visiting gynecology clinics in tertiary care hospitals of Pakistan, and to identify preferred health promotion methods to enhance access to CC screening and vaccination services.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among women aged 21-55 years attending outpatient departments of obstetrics and gynecology. The study employed purposive sampling and utilized a pre-validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21, with bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of good knowledge.

Results: The survey involved 370 women, revealing profound gaps in knowledge about CC, with 84.7% demonstrating poor understanding. A significant association was found between education, occupation, income, and knowledge of CC. Furthermore, nearly all respondents expressed a desire for more information on CC and preventive measures, with electronic social media identified as the preferred awareness-raising channel. Encouragingly, 99.7% of women showed willingness towards receiving HPV vaccination if provided free or at low cost.

Conclusion: The findings underscore a critical need for enhanced awareness and educational interventions to bridge the knowledge gap on CC screening and prevention among Pakistani women. Despite high willingness to engage in preventive practices, barriers such as lack of awareness, limited healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors hinder effective screening uptake. Advocacy and tailored health campaigns are crucial for mobilizing resources and political support to combat CC in Pakistan.

Keywords: Cervical cancer (CC); HPV vaccination; Human papilloma virus (HPV); KAP; Pap smear.