Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Cervical Cancer and Screening among Saudi Women in Ar Rass, Qassim

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Internationally, cervical cancer has been regarded as the third most common form of cancer among women after breast and colorectal cancer. However, it is considered one of the most preventable cancers. Research evidence has suggested that infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) significantly increases the relative risk for developing cervical cancer. Papanicolaou cytological testing (Pap smear) permits cervical lesions to be detected before they become cancerous, effectively reducing the incidence of cervical cancer by 75% - 90%. The cervical cancer is the thirteenth most frequent cancer in Saudi women although the health facilities and vaccination are available and can be detected early. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among Saudi women in Qassim. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 85 Saudi Women attending 3 Primary Health Care centers which had been randomly selected by simple random sampling from a list of 4 health centers in Ar Rass city during October 2022. The respondents filled a structured questionnaire after giving informed consent. The data was entered in Excel and analyzed in EpiInfo7 statistical software. RESULTS: The prevalence of cervical cancer in the Qassim region was probably low as 91% of the participants did not have any relatives diagnosed with cervical cancer. About 24% of female participants had good knowledge about cervical cancer and knew the probability of detecting cervical cancer with the Pap smear test before symptoms appear. However, over 56% had never heard of cervical cancer and 48% had not heard about the Pap smear. Only 14% of respondents had a Pap smear test at least once and 82% claimed to have the test done if they were told that the procedure was painless and simple. CONCLUSION: The knowledge and practice regarding cervical screening was inadequate among Saudi women, particularly among women less than 30 years of age, recently married, and with low education level. However, women in Ar Rass have a positive attitude towards cervical screening services although they need to have reassurances that can reduce the barriers to having a test. There is a need to create awareness about cervical cancer screening programs and to educate Saudi women about the symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment.