Women’s Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening in Mbeya Region-Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of mortality among gynecologic malignancies globally. Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) region carries the greatest burden in global mortality. Cervical cancer: Screening (CCS) is done by several techniques to help in early detection of cervical cancer. However, the uptake in most SSA countries including Tanzania remains low. Objectives: Assess knowledge, attitude and practice of Mbeya region women regarding cervical cancer screening. Settings: The study was conducted in seven selected health facilities representing Mbeya region. Subjects: A convenience sample of 420 women attending the previously mentioned setting was enrolled (60 women from each hospital). Tools: Four tools were developed and used by researcher, to collect data: Tool one: Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical data structured interview schedule. Tool Two: Women's knowledge about cervical cancer structured interview. Tool three: Assessment of attitude regarding cervical cancer screening. Tool Four: cervical cancer screening practice interview questionnaire. Results: The study results revealed that more than two fifths of study participants had satisfactory knowledge while more than half (57.10%) of them had unsatisfactory. In relation to attitude, more than half (59.80%) of study participants had positive attitude, two fifths (40%) of them had neutral attitude while only 0.20% of them had negative attitude. Furthermore, two thirds (66.20%) of study participants did screening for cancer of cervix while more than one thirds (33.80%) of them didn’t do it. Conclusion: Less than half of the study participants had unsatisfactory knowledge. Recommendations: Increase awareness through mass media and dissemination of health knowledge through posters, photos, and booklets as educational campaigns directed to the women with no symptoms at reproductive age.