Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding Cervical Cancer among Sample of Women in Baghdad

Abstract Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer, its underlying causes, and preventive measures among women attending primary health care centers in Baghdad. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with analytic elements was carried out in 20 primary health care centers in Baghdad selected randomly during the period extended from January to May 2023. Four hundred ever-married women were interviewed by using a questionnaire form that include questions related to sociodemographic characteristics, cervical cancer causes, risk factors, and prevention. Results: More than half (53.3%) of the participants had a good knowledge score. Human papillomavirus (HPV) as an etiological agent for cervical cancer was mentioned by 6.5%, no one heard about HPV vaccine, 5.3% heard about cervical cancer screening, 3.5% ever had a Pap smear offered by their doctors who were their only source of information about Pap smear test. The risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI), smoking, hormonal contraception, menopause, early marriage, and male condoms were stated by: (96.5%), (94%), (93.3%), (64.5%), (53.8%), and (25.2%) of the participants, respectively. Conclusions: Knowledge about HPV, HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer screening among women in Baghdad was poor, while their knowledge about most of the risk factors for cervical cancer was good. Women in Baghdad have a positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine, which was significantly associated with women’s knowledge.