Knowledge, attitude and practice towards cervical cancer among women in Finote Selam city administration, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia, 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer of the cervix is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women, especially in developing countries affecting women at a time of life when they are critical to social and economic stability. Method: The study was conducted at Finote Selam City Administration from February 01 to March 01, 2017 using a community-based cross-sectional study design. The representative sample size was selected using multistage sampling technique. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the previous study. Data were entered using EpiData Version 3.1 statistical software and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. Result: One hundred seventy (23.1%) were knowledgeable about cervical cancer whereas 63% of participants had a negative attitude and only 7.3% had ever screened for the disease. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, marital status, religion, experienced sexual intercourse and age at 1 st sexual intercourse were found to be significantly associated with the knowledge of cancer of the cervix. Conclusion: Ministry of health in collaboration with other concerned bodies should design a strategy to give education about cervical cancer including information on risk factors, signs and symptoms; and availability of screening should be provided for women and as well as for the public.