Abstract
Introduction: Awareness and knowledge about cervical smear are lacking among the women in the developing world. The aim of the study was to study the awareness and knowledge regarding cervical smear screening among a cohort of Sri Lankan women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a gynaecology clinic in a tertiary care hospital, Sri Lanka from January to August 2018. A consecutively recruited clinic attendees who attended the clinic for the first-time; aged over 35 years were interviewed using a previously piloted questionnaire. Outcome measures were socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, knowledge about cervical smear screening and uptake of Pap smear testing. Results: Among the 165 women interviewed, 146 (88.5%) had heard about cervical carcinoma. Median (IQR) age was 46.0 (39.0-54.0) years. Only 75.2% had heard about cervical screening. Knowledge about cervical smear screening was low and 60% of women were not worried about themselves getting cervical carcinoma. Awareness about cervical smear screening was 58.8% and only 78/165 (47.3%) had ever undergone screening. Fear of vaginal examination and lack of awareness was noted in 6.7% and 29.7% of them respectively. Public health midwives were the commonest source of information to them regarding cervical smear. Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge regarding cervical carcinoma is poor in the study sample.
Highlights
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (ACOG) report that the incidence of cervical malignancy has decreased by more than 50% in the past 30+ years, largely due to the increasing use of cervical malignancy screening with cervical cytology in
USA [6].According to the WHO, worldwide cervical malignancy rates have decreased dramatically with the increase use of screening tests, incidence and prevalence in developing countries remains high due to lack of screening programmes, with approximately 80% of all cervical cancer deaths occurring in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC) [3]
These data clearly illustrate that LMICs are in need of aggressive strategies to reduce the burden of cervical carcinoma [5, 7]
Summary
Awareness and knowledge about cervical smear are lacking among the women in the developing world. USA [6].According to the WHO, worldwide cervical malignancy rates have decreased dramatically with the increase use of screening tests, incidence and prevalence in developing countries remains high due to lack of screening programmes, with approximately 80% of all cervical cancer deaths occurring in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC) [3]. These data clearly illustrate that LMICs are in need of aggressive strategies to reduce the burden of cervical carcinoma [5, 7]. Despite the regional availability of aforementioned 'Well-woman Clinics’ and gynaecological hospital clinics for screening, cervical malignancy remains the second most common malignancy among females in Sri Lanka [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
