Women’s knowledge, awareness and attitudes toward newly implemented national HPV-based screening in Turkey

Abstract

ObjectiveThe success of any cancer screening policy is known to be closely related to the population’s participation in screening programs and baseline knowledge about cancer and the screening program. We investigated popular awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer, HPV and the screening program after HPV-based screening began in Turkey. MethodsA gynecologist administered questionnaire was conducted to 429 women aged 30–65 years in a tertiary care settings. Sociodemographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge and attitude toward HPV, cervical cancer, HPV vaccine national HPV based cervical cancer screening was assed. Factors affecting for attendance to national cervical cancer screening was investigated. Results53 participants (12.4%) had heard about HPV, and only 11 (2.6%) had knowledge of HPV transmission. 123 (28.7%) participants had attended national cervical cancer screening. After giving information about cervical cancer and the national cervical cancer screening program to participants who had not attended cervical cancer screening, 295 (96.4%) participants stated that they would attend national cervical cancer screening. Having a university education (OR: 2.895, 95% CI: 1.349–6.213, p = 0.006), being an employer (OR: 2.540, 95% CI: 1.513–4.264, p < 0.001), and total family income above the poverty line (OR: 2.438, 95 % CI: 1.204–4.935, p = 0.01) were related to participation in national cervical cancer screening. ConclusionEducation regarding cervical cancer and screening program especially from a gynecologist is important for participation of women in a screening program. Women’s being a university graduate, having a job in the community and high financial power should be encouraged.