Awareness and Practices Related to Cervical Cancer among Females in Saudi Arabia

Heba M. Zahid, Alma B. Qarah, Amal M. Alharbi, Arwa E. Alomar and Shaimaa A. Almubarak
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Heba M. Zahid: Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia
Alma B. Qarah: Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia
Amal M. Alharbi: Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia
Arwa E. Alomar: Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia
Shaimaa A. Almubarak: Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, 1-11

Abstract: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common risk factor for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be prevented with vaccination and early screening methods using pap smears. However, the acceptance of these approaches can be affected by the awareness level of the population. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess knowledge and practices related to cervical cancer among women in the Al Madinah Province in Saudi Arabia. A total of 1489 responses were included in the analysis. The median awareness score related to cervical cancer was eight out of 20 points. Vaginal bleeding, dyspareunia, and leg pain were correctly identified by 79.8%, 43.7%, and 19.3% of the women, respectively. Thirty-four percent of the study sample knew that the sexually transmitted virus is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Only 44.6% were able to correctly identify pap smear as a screening tool, and 12.6% knew that there was a HPV vaccine. This study revealed a low to moderate awareness level toward cervical cancer, pap smear, and HPV vaccine. Thus, awareness campaigns are urgently needed to increase the awareness level for early detection and prevention of the disease.

Keywords: cervical cancer; knowledge; Al Madinah Province; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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