Awareness and practices related to cervical cancer among females in Saudi Arabia
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Authors
Zahid, Heba M.
Qarah, Alma B.
Alharbi, Amal M.
Alomar, Arwa E.
Almubarak, Shaimaa A.
Issue Date
2022-01-27
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Cervical Cancer , Knowledge , Al Madinah Province , Saudi Arabia
Alternative Title
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.
Description
Citation
Zahid, H. M., Qarah, A. B., Alharbi, A. M., Alomar, A. E., & Almubarak, S. A. (2022). Awareness and Practices Related to Cervical Cancer among Females in Saudi Arabia. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(3), 1455. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031455
Publisher
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health