Correlation between knowledge and attitudes of female high school students regarding cervical cancer in Denpasar, Bali

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer incidence in young female is increasing. It is one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst female cancer worldwide, especially in developing countries, including Indonesia. Knowledge and attitudes of cervical cancer in young female, especially female high school students are important factor to prevent incidence of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and it's correlation of female high school students in Denpasar, Bali, in regard to cervical cancer. Method(s): A community based pre-experimental cross-sectional study was performed from January 27th 2018 at several senior high schools in Denpasar, Bali. The level of knowledge and attitude toward cervical cancer was assessed using a validated questionnaire. This questionnaire comprise the understanding of the student about cervical cancer which included definition, risk factors, and screening of cervical cancer. The level of attitude was assesed by awareness and practice of pap smear as the screening of cervical cancer. Data was processed and analyzed using SPSS. Result(s): In this study, 86 female high school students age (15-17) were involved. Among the respondents, almost 92% know cervical cancer and 72.1% understand its definition. And 89.5% of the respondents know the risk factor of cervical cancer. However, only 25.6% of them know PAP Smear as the screening method of cervical cancer. A positive correlation was found between the knowledge level of cervical cancer towards the attitude (r = 0.41, p = 0.000). Conclusion(s): Knowledge about cervical cancer is significant to the attitudes and awareness of cervical cancer. The higher level of knowledge corresponds to the higher level of attitude and awareness to cervical cancer. Thus, we suggest the improvement of students' knowledge concerning cancer and health behavior in the educational process as a prevention and reduction of cervical cancer incidence.