Determinants of PAP Smear Testing among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers. A study in Hilla City / Babil Governorate / Iraq 2015

This cross-sectional study assessed determinants of Pap smear uptake among 385 women aged 20-64 attending primary health centers in Hilla City, Iraq.Despite 86% awareness of cervical cancer, only 52% knew about Pap smears, with just 6% having ever undergone screening.Key barriers included fear (72.2%), embarrassment (70%), lack of provider recommendations (30.1%), and misconceptions (e.g., "no symptoms, no need").Higher education and income correlated with better knowledge, while married and employed women had more positive attitudes.Most (97.4%) preferred female providers.Findings highlight critical gaps in knowledge, cultural barriers, and systemic weaknesses in healthcare promotion.Targeted education, provider engagement, and gender-sensitive services are urgently needed to improve screening rates in Iraq.