ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Cervical cancer is responsible for women’s morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In developing countries women usually present in advanced stage, awareness of cervical cancer can enhance women inclination towards regular cervical screening which can detect early pre-invasive lesions. The aim of the study was to assess the awareness of cervical cancer among King Faisal University community visiting gynecology clinic, Al Ahsa Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire oriented cross-sectional study was conducted and 385 females were enrolled by systematic random sampling. The questionnaire contained 14 questions about cervical cancer and six barrier statements for cervical screening. SPSS software version 26.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: Total 385 females participated in the study. Majority 73.2% (n=282) had heard about cervical cancer and found significant association with age 36-45yr (p=0.001), married with two children (p=0.003), employed (p=0.001), Master level education (p=0.001) and with Saudi nationality (p=0.028). Logistic regression revealed age increases likely hood of adequate knowledge almost by one fold (odds ratio 0.954, 95% CI: 0.925-0.984) and having Saudi nationality increases it by two folds (odds ratio 2.056, 95%CI: 1.228-3.440). Almost 80% were aware of screening test, 18.4% had undergone one time an opportunistic screening test. Significant proportion of Saudi nationals had heard of HPV vaccines (p= 0.04). Conclusion: Participants had adequate knowledge of cervical cancer but had low screening test practice. There is need to implement regular cervical screening practice at national level.