The determination of the knowledge level and behavior of Turkish women from various occupations about human papillomavirus, cervical cancer, and pap smear test

ABSTRACT

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are possible with Pap smear test. However, women should be informed about human papilloma virus (HPV), cervical cancer, and Pap smear test to protect against cervical cancer. Aim: The aim of this study is to identify knowledge level and behavior of women from various occupations, who reside in a city in the south of Turkey, about HPV, cervical cancer, and Pap smear test. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 753 women consisting of 228 nurses, 28 doctors, 135 teachers, 20 academicians, 21 policewomen, and 321 homemakers. The data were collected with face-to-face interview method using survey form and attitude scale related to early diagnosis of cervical cancer. Results: Of the women whose age average is 34.7 ± 7.51, 79% are married, 52.9% have middle income, 62.5% live in towns, and 58.6% are primary school graduates. It was determined that 69.2% of these women had gynecological examination, 27.8% had Pap smear test, and 1.3% had HPV vaccination. About 59.5% of these women stated not having heard of HPV, 61.3% of HPV vaccination, and 41.9% that HPV causes cervical cancer. Those women who have a good education and income level and who live in the city are found to have higher knowledge levels of HPV, HPV vaccination, Pap smear test, and cervical cancer (P < 0.05). Among the occupational groups, it was determined that the nurses are the ones who have least gynecological examination had and the doctors are the ones who have the most number of Pap smear tests had. It was found that average point that women got from the attitude scale of early diagnosis of cervical cancer was 101.91 ± 10.77 that the doctors and nurses had the highest points, 105.29 ± 11.65 and 103.15 ± 9.92, respectively, and that police officers had the lowest points by 93.42 ± 16.50. Conclusion: It was determined that the knowledge level and attitudes of the participant women about HPV, cervical cancer, and Pap smear test were insufficient.