Assessment of Women's Knowledge, Attitude and Barriers regarding Cervical Cancer Screening

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, with the majority of cases occurring in developing countries. Early screening is an essential element in eradicating cervical cancer and decrease the incidence of cancer related deaths. Aim: This study aimed to assess the women's knowledge, attitude and barriers regarding cervical cancer screening. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at New Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Mansoura City, Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sample of 281 women was included. Tools: A structured interview questionnaire, knowledge of women regarding cervical cancer and its screening, attitude of women regarding cervical cancer screening, and self-reported barriers regarding cervical cancer screening and its suggestion. Results: The present study revealed that more than two-thirds of the studied women had poor knowledge regarding cervical cancer and its screening. Nearly three-quarters of the studied women displayed a positive attitude regarding cervical cancer screening. Most of the studied women never received cervical cancer screening. The main reported barriers to screening were not receiving recommendation from doctors or nurses and being unaware of the screening tests. Conclusion: The current study concluded that despite the inadequate knowledge of women, attitudes regarding cervical screening were generally positive. Also, the study identified significant barriers to cervical cancer screening which can be addressed by raising women's awareness. Recommendation: Establish community-based awareness campaigns about the presidential initiative for screening and early detection of cervical cancer through social and mass media.