KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG FEMALE TEACHERS OF GOVERNMENT SCHOOL, BHARATPUR, CHITWAN

Abstract

Background: In Nepal, cervical cancer ranks second highest after lung cancer among both sexes and stands as the leading cause of female cancer deaths. Preventative measures include Human Papilloma Virus vaccination and regular screening. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among female teachers in government schools in Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed with a sample of 362 female teachers from selected government schools in Bharatpur Chitwan. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. Data were collected between 2079/3/21 to 2079/6/20 using a structured self-administered questionnaire and were subsequently entered into IBM SPSS version 22 for analysis. Results: Of the 362 respondents, only 16.3% demonstrated a good level of knowledge, and 36.1% displayed a good level of attitudes towards cervical cancer screening. However, only 38.3% had utilized cervical cancer screening services. Regarding the reasons for not using these services, 87.86% of respondents indicated the absence of any uterine problems, and 16.99% cited a lack of time for screening. The utilization of cervical cancer screening services showed a statistically significant association with respondents’ level of education (p=0.03), family type (p=0.003), shyness (p=0.016), and the absence of any uterine problems (p=0.04). Conclusions: The findings indicate that a substantial percentage of respondents possess a good level of knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer screening, yet only slightly more than one-third have utilized these services. Therefore, the need for awareness programs concerning cervical cancer screening is evident.