Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Women Over 20 Years Old on Cervix Cancer in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Turkish women over20 years old on cervix cancer. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: This descriptive study was performed at a primarycare center covering 246 women using a questionnaire composed of 3 sections and 38 questions. The data wereanalyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test in univariate analysis and multivariate hierarchical logisticregression analysis. <br/><b>Results</b>: Of the 93.7% women who knew about cervical cancer, 68.0% of them had heardpap smear test and 46.1% had actually undergone a Pap smear once or more throughout their lives. Accordingto the results of the hierarchical logistic regression analysis about factors affecting the Pap smear test; in Model1, increase in age and education levels, in Model 2 and Model 3 increase in age and cervical cancer informationpoints were determined. The most important information source for cervical cancer was TV-radio/media (59.9%)and health care workers (62.8%) for pap smear test. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Although most women have heard of cervicalcancer, knowledge about cervical cancer and also Pap smear screening rate are significantly lower. Having Papsmear test for women was affected by age and knowledge level about cervical cancer. Informing women aboutcervical cancer would be an important intervention.