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- New
- Research Article
- 10.3126/nprcjmr.v3i2.91319
- Feb 27, 2026
- NPRC Journal of Multidisciplinary Research
- Rojana Dhakal
Background: Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is considered one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Early detection through regular screening is essential, as it enables the identification of precancerous cervical cell changes and allows for timely intervention and treatment. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening and its utilization. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design and was conducted among 464 married women residing in Ward No. 13 of Pokhara Metropolitan City. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire that included items on demographic characteristics, reproductive history, awareness of cervical cancer and its screening, and the utilization of screening services. Results: A total of 464 married women participated in the study. Among them, 419 (90.3%) had heard of cervical cancer. Among those who had heard of cervical cancer, 377 (90%) demonstrated poor awareness of cervical cancer and its screening. Only 82 women (17.7%) had undergone cervical cancer screening, and among those screened, 50 (61%) reported having a Pap smear test. The most commonly reported reason for not undergoing screening was the absence of perceived health problems, followed by inadequate knowledge about the test. Factors such as educational status, occupation, age at marriage, parity, and age of childbirth showed a significant association with screening awareness. Conclusion: Although most participants had heard of cervical cancer, the overall level of awareness was poor, and the utilization of screening was low. Targeted culturally sensitive educational interventions and awareness programs are needed to improve knowledge and promote regular cervical cancer screening among married women.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s12889-026-26748-z
- Feb 20, 2026
- BMC public health
- Xiang Zhao + 6 more
Awareness of cervical cancer and its correlates among junior high school students in Eastern China: a cross sectional study.
- Research Article
- 10.1353/hpu.2026.a982968
- Feb 1, 2026
- Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
- Samara Everman + 8 more
Abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has become a major focus of improving health care in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to contribute to existing literature by examining themes within Sierra Leonean women’s knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and HPV as well as associations with different demographics. In this cross-sectional, door-to-door study, we conducted 189 interviews with women in rural and urban Sierra Leone using a questionnaire with four sections: demographics, women’s perception and knowledge of cervical cancer, perception of the HPV vaccine, and demand-generating strategies. Among our findings were the overwhelming preference for Western medicine among participants and low awareness of cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine, and HPV. However, the vaccine is widely welcomed. Additionally, there is a statistically significant (p < .01) relationship between formal education attained and willingness to take the HPV vaccine. Policymakers and program directors may apply these results to the enhancement of immunization efforts.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2026.114945
- Feb 1, 2026
- European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
- A Anand + 3 more
Knowledge, awareness and practices regarding human papillomavirus vaccine amongst secondary school girls and mothers in North India.
- Research Article
- 10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20260281
- Jan 31, 2026
- International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health
- Abdul Aziz Suma + 6 more
Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, where organized screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage are limited. Nurses are pivotal for counselling, triage, and referral within reproductive health services, yet their knowledge and personal engagement with screening strongly influence patient uptake. Empirical data from Sierra Leone especially from tertiary referral settings are scarce, hindering tailored capacity-building and service navigation interventions. Objectives were to assess nurses’ knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding cervical cancer, HPV, screening, and vaccination at a national referral hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional survey at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), Freetown (25 November 2023 to 30 January 2024). Stratified sampling by cadre; n=117 (response rate 90% of the 130 minimum). Structured self-administered questionnaire with prespecified adequacy thresholds (causes ≥3/4; risk factors ≥5/8; symptoms ≥3/5; transmission ≥4/6; preventive practices ≥3/5). Descriptive statistics and χ²/Fisher’s exact tests (p<0.05). Results: Only 35.9% identified HPV as the cause; adequacy was 48.7% for causes, 21.9% for symptoms, and 26.6% for risk factors. Knowledge differed by cadre (causes p=0.001; symptoms p=0.011), highest among BSc nurses and midwives, lowest among SECHN; no associations with age or experience. Awareness of screening was 47.9%; among the aware, correct timing “before sexual debut” was 14.3% and correct interval “every 3-5 years” 21.4%. Screening uptake in the past five years was 29.1%. Leading barriers were not knowing where to test (55.4%), perceived no need (20.5%), fear of procedure (14.5%), and fear of results (9.6%). Motivators were free services (44.1%) and provider advice (26.5%). Vaccine awareness was 32.5%; 97.4% of those aware would recommend it. Conclusions: Nurses at PCMH, Freetown, showed suboptimal HPV-specific knowledge and low recent screening (29.1%), with significant cadre differences and navigation barriers. Targeted, cadre-specific training, clear service navigation aids, and provider-initiated, free/low-cost screening offers could rapidly improve nurses’ knowledge, uptake, and patient counselling.
- Research Article
- 10.63620/mkjceph.2026.1047
- Jan 21, 2026
- Journal of Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health
- Rajan Saroj
Abstract Background: Despite sufficient knowledge about cervical cancer screening among female health workers, actual screening rates remain low. Objective: This study aims to assess awareness of cervical cancer among nursing staff and identify perceived and social barriers to utilizing screening services. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 510 married female nursing staff at a tertiary health institution in Puducherry, India, from June to October 2020. Results: 60.4% of the respondents correctly answered more than 60% of the questions on cervical cancer screening. However, only 40% had undergone a Pap smear. Knowledge scores did not differ significantly between those who had a Pap smear and those who had not. ROC curve analysis revealed that knowledge scores were not significant predictors of either having or being willing to have a Pap smear. The main barriers to testing were lack of availability (37.3%), time constraints (22.3%), and motivation (23.3%), despite the test being free and available at their workplace on all working days. Only 7.2% of respondents cited pain, discomfort, or social reasons for their reluctance to undergo screening. Additionally, 51.8% indicated they would undergo screening regularly if it were made mandatory by their employer. Conclusions: The lack of motivation among health workers to use readily available screening services may be further exacerbated in the general population.
- Research Article
- 10.34172/ijhpm.9179
- Jan 7, 2026
- International Journal of Health Policy and Management
- Md Towhidur Rahman + 2 more
Background: In October 2023, Bangladesh introduced a free, single-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 9–14 through its national vaccination program to prevent cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Bangladeshi females, caused by the HPV. Although vaccine hesitancy was not a significant issue before the COVID-19 pandemic, experiences from that pandemic and global literature suggest that the population’s uptake of this vaccine may face barriers due to concerns related to reproductive health, fertility, and cultural and religious beliefs. This is particularly relevant in a country where Islam is the state religion, 91% of the population is Muslim, and religious leaders hold significant influence over public opinion. Methods: Building upon the recently developed Integrative Public Policy Acceptance (IPAC) framework, this qualitative study explores the factors shaping religious leaders’ support for the HPV vaccine informing their potential role in promoting it. Semi-structured interviews with leaders from Bangladesh’s five main Islamic traditions were thematically analysed using NVivo 14 with inductive and deductive coding. Results: Islamic religious leaders’ varying support for HPV vaccinations in Bangladesh was influenced by their limited awareness of cervical cancer, as well as their religious and social concerns about ingredients, side effects and a fear of promoting promiscuity. Political ideologies also played a significant role, as leaders were less supportive of the program when they perceived the government as ideologically opposed to the beliefs or practices of their specific religious tradition. Conclusion: The study’s contribution to the IPAC framework highlights the importance of political consensus in policy acceptance, explaining how partisanship and ideological differences impact public policy compliance. The findings underscore the need for health systems in Muslim majority countries to engage with religious authorities, build political inclusivity and consensus, and align health policies with religious and cultural values.
- Research Article
- 10.1155/ecc/9852005
- Jan 1, 2026
- European Journal of Cancer Care
- Likius T Hailaula + 1 more
Background Breast and cervical cancers are the most prevalent cancers among women in Namibia, with a prevalence of 28.9% and 18.3%, respectively, in 2020. However, the knowledge and attitudes of Namibian women toward breast and cervical cancers are not documented, as this is essential for early detection and improved treatment outcomes. Aim This study explored the knowledge and attitudes regarding these cancers among women aged 18 and above in Windhoek, Khomas Region. Methods A mixed‐methods cross‐sectional random sampling study was conducted from November 2024 to March 2025 across all eight constituencies of Windhoek. A questionnaire was used to document demographic information, knowledge, and awareness of breast and cervical cancer, cancer screening habits, and barriers to screening. Multivariable logistic regression was used for data analysis. Results A total of 232 females participated in the study, of which 93.5% and 95.3% reported having heard of breast and cervical cancer, respectively. Among those who were aware, 35.3% underwent breast cancer screening, while 34.5% had been screened for cervical cancer. Knowledge regarding the causes, symptoms, and prevention of both cancers was moderate to high. Education level was a significant predictor of awareness and screening behavior. Women with tertiary education (73.7%) were four times more likely to have heard of breast cancer (OR = 4.0; 95% CI: 2.8–5.7; p < 0.001) and twice as likely to have heard of cervical cancer (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.5–2.7; p < 0.001). Conclusion Public awareness campaigns regarding early screening are crucial to improve awareness and knowledge regarding breast and cervical cancers among Namibian women.
- Research Article
- 10.33545/gynae.2026.v10.i1e.1899
- Jan 1, 2026
- International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Don Isaac P + 3 more
Awareness of cervical cancer and its preventive strategies among undergraduate medical students: A cross-sectional study
- Research Article
- 10.7759/cureus.100961
- Jan 1, 2026
- Cureus
- Melvi Johnson + 4 more
Background Cervical cancer (CC) remains a significant public health concern globally, especially in rural areas where screening rates are notably low. This study aims to assess CC screening practices, awareness, and associated factors among rural women in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Methodology A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024. A sample of 513 women aged 25-60 years was selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The prevalence of CC screening was found to be 9.2%, with 86.2% of women expressing willingness to undergo future screening if provided free of charge. Nearly half (48.7%) of the study population had average or above average awareness of CC and its screening practices. Factors associated with increased screening uptake included age of more than 41 years, those from the above poverty line category, and those living in nuclear families. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the practices of CC screening and awareness among rural women in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Targeted educational interventions and improved access to screening services are recommended to address gaps.
- Research Article
- 10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20254413
- Dec 31, 2025
- International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health
- Joyce W Gachumi + 2 more
Background: Cervical cancer is a major public health concern in Kenya, accounting for 12% of all cancer cases and being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This study aimed to identify the socioeconomic status and health awareness determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake among women aged 25-49 years in Kiambu town sub-county, Kiambu County, Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study, where both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained for purposes of triangulation. Multi-stage sampling technique was utilized to select study participants. Both chi-square and binary logistic regression were used to identify socioeconomic status and health awareness determinants associated with cervical cancer screening uptake. SPSS version 29 was used in quantitative data analysis. The cutoff for statistical significance was p≤0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Cervical cancer screening uptake was at 40.2%. Earning between Ksh 20,001-30,000 (OR=5.4, 95% CI; 2.074-6.464, p<0.001), being married (OR=1.8,95% CI; 1.343-9.790, p=0.03), awareness of cervical cancer (OR=2.4, 95% CI; 1.342-4.122, p=0.003), and awareness of signs and symptoms (OR=1.5, 95% CI; 1.154-2.704, p=0.01) increased the odds of cervical cancer screening. Conversely, younger women aged 25-29 years (OR=0.22, 95% CI; 0.243-0.846, p=0.023) had reduced odds of cervical cancer screening uptake. Conclusions: The uptake of cervical cancer screening was low among women aged 25-49 years in Kiambu sub-county. Awareness of cervical cancer signs and symptoms, awareness of cervical cancer, study respondents’ age, marital status income were socioeconomic status and health awareness predictors of cervical cancer screening. Efforts should be put in place to enhance awareness of cervical cancer.
- Research Article
- 10.32734/ijns.v7i2.22962
- Dec 31, 2025
- Caring: Indonesian Journal of Nursing Science
- Endar Timiyatun + 2 more
Health education related to cervical cancer is essential for community empowerment, with community health cadres playing a pivotal role in delivering health education at the grassroots level. The use of appropriate educational media has been shown to effectively enhance community knowledge. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of educational modules and videos in improving cadres’ knowledge and skills in delivering health education on cervical cancer prevention. This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design involving 25 community health cadres. The intervention comprised two 90-minute cadre training sessions. The first session included a lecture followed by a question-and-answer discussion, while the second session involved a health education demonstration. Educational videos and modules were used as instructional media. Knowledge data were collected using a structured questionnaire, whereas skills data were assessed using a standardized observation checklist. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank. The results showed that knowledge score increased from 48.00 (pretest) to 94.00 (posttest), with a mean difference of 46.00 (p < 0.05). Similarly, the mean skills score improved from 37.20 (pretest) to 87.20 (posttest), with a mean difference of 50.00 (p < 0.05). Educational modules and videos are effective media for enhancing the knowledge and skills of community health cadres in providing health education on cervical cancer prevention. Their use should be integrated into training programs to strengthen cervical cancer prevention efforts at the community level. Keyword: Cervical cancer, Health education, Cadres, Module, Video, Prevention
- Research Article
- 10.3126/jgmc-n.v18i2.86138
- Dec 30, 2025
- Journal of Gandaki Medical College-Nepal
- Sunita Baral + 2 more
Introduction: Cervical cancer is a major public health issue in low and middle income countries like Nepal. Despite being preventable and treatable, high incidence and mortality persist due to low awareness and screening. This study aimed to assess awareness and screening practices related to cervical cancer. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 married women aged 30 to 60 years in Pokhara Metropolitan City using simple random sampling. Data were collected through structured face to face interviews, entered into Epi Data version 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics, chi square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were applied for analysis. Results: Among respondents, 142(55.25%) were aged 30–40 years, 123(50.20%) had secondary education, and 105(40.86%) were homemakers. Marriage between ages 15 to 19 years was reported by 140(54.47%). Adequate awareness of cervical cancer was found in 122(47.47%), and 106(41.25%) had undergone screening. Awareness was significantly associated with age, ethnicity, husband’s education, and duration of marriage. Screening practice was significantly associated with age, ethnicity, income, age at marriage, duration of marriage, and menstruation status. A weak positive correlation was observed between awareness and screening practice. Conclusions: Over half of the married women exhibited inadequate awareness and low screening uptake. Enhancing cervical cancer education and promoting screening uptake is recommended.
- Research Article
- 10.47392/irjaeh.2025.0660
- Dec 26, 2025
- International Research Journal on Advanced Engineering Hub (IRJAEH)
- Dr.Chandrakala Hl + 4 more
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income regions where access to regular screening and early diagnostic services is limited. Despite being highly preventable and curable when detected in its early stages, late diagnosis remains a major challenge due to the reliance on traditional screening methods such as Pap smears and HPV tests, which require laboratory infrastructure, trained medical professionals, and are prone to human interpretation errors. With advancements in artificial intelligence and data-driven healthcare analytics, there is a growing opportunity to support clinical decision-making through automated diagnostic assistance. This project presents a machine learning–based predictive system designed to assess the likelihood of cervical cancer using demographic, behavioral, and medical risk factor data. The dataset undergoes preprocessing steps including handling missing values, data normalization, and feature selection to ensure model reliability and robustness. Multiple classification algorithms such as Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree, and Random Forest are trained and evaluated, with Random Forest demonstrating superior performance in terms of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and overall predictive capability. The system is integrated into a user-friendly interface that allows healthcare practitioners or patients to input relevant information and receive real-time risk assessment results, potentially enabling earlier intervention and reducing the burden on medical personnel. By providing an accessible and scalable screening tool, this work highlights the significant role of machine learning in improving cervical cancer awareness, supporting early diagnosis, and enhancing healthcare outcomes, especially in resource-constrained settings.
- Research Article
- 10.24248/eahrj.v9i2.857
- Dec 24, 2025
- East African Health Research Journal
- Joanes Faustine Mboineki + 1 more
Background: Despite ongoing community awareness programmes in Tanzania, cervical cancer screening (CCS) uptake remains low, with only 10 to 29% of eligible women participating. Improving screening is essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which targets reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. This study explored recent changes in CCS awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among women in urban Dar es Salaam. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Kawe ward, Dar es Salaam. Twenty-six women aged ≥21 years were purposively sampled. Data were collected between January and February 2020 using in-depth, face-to-face interviews guided by open-ended questions. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated, and analysed using five-step qualitative content analysis to develop codes, categories, subthemes, and themes. Results: All participants had heard of cervical cancer and CCS, yet only 2 of 26 had ever been screened. Awareness was high, but most women demonstrated inadequate knowledge of cervical cancer causes, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and screening guidelines. Major barriers to screening included absence of symptoms, limited knowledge, lack of health-seeking behaviour, time constraints, perceived costs, and long waiting times at screening sites. Despite these barriers, participants expressed strong positive attitudes toward CCS and showed readiness to undergo screening if services were accessible, affordable, and accompanied by adequate education. Conclusion: While awareness of cervical cancer is high, knowledge gaps persist and remain a major barrier to CCS uptake. Ongoing community awareness initiatives have increased recognition of the disease’s severity but have not translated into improved screening practices. Strengthening educational content, expanding community-level outreach, reducing waiting times, and improving service accessibility are essential to increase CCS participation among urban women in Tanzania.
- Research Article
- 10.1038/s41598-025-28112-4
- Dec 24, 2025
- Scientific reports
- Hasibul Hassain Emon + 6 more
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of genital warts and cervical cancer (CC), which was reported as the second most common malignancy among women in Bangladesh in 2020. While vaccination against HPV stands out as the most effective strategy for preventing CC, however, misconceptions about its safety, effectiveness, and benefits may impact its prevalence. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of HPV infection, CC, and vaccination, as well as the attitudes and willingness to receive the vaccine among female university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect primary data from 800 university students through face-to-face interviews. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV infection, CC, and vaccination, as well as attitudes and willingness regarding vaccination. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing knowledge about HPV infection and CC. Moreover, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) explored direct and indirect pathways affecting knowledge, attitudes, and willingness, validated by goodness-of-fit indices. Students with sexual health education demonstrated higher awareness of HPV infection and cervical cancer, with 23.4% having good knowledge, compared to only 11.0% without such education. Difficulty accessing healthcare increased the odds of poor knowledge in the unadjusted model (COR: 1.72. 95% CI: 1.01-2.93), whereas students from Khulna had higher odds (AOR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.24-15.88). Moreover, 44.8% of participants recognized that the HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer, and 64.7% were unsure of its effectiveness. The SEM highlights that attitude is the strongest predictor of vaccination willingness (0.61), while HPV vaccination knowledge has a moderate impact (0.46). University female students have limited knowledge about HPV, CC, and vaccination, yet they are willing to receive the HPV vaccine. This highlights the need for the government to implement educational initiatives and health counseling to increase awareness and empower informed health decisions.
- Research Article
- 10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20254137
- Dec 23, 2025
- International Journal of Advances in Medicine
- Madhura P Donde + 6 more
Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in Kenya. Although largely preventable through early detection, national screening coverage remains low largely due to inadequate awareness, stigma and limited access to tailored health education. The aim of the program was to evaluate the effectiveness of LiberatePro™, a culturally adaptable digital education platform, in improving knowledge, confidence and behavioral intent regarding cervical cancer among Kenyan patients. Methods: The intervention was implemented across 10 hospitals involving over 200 trained healthcare workers. Participants received condition-specific educational material via secure weblinks sent to them through SMS and email, eliminating the need for any app downloads. A post-intervention survey assessed understanding, ease of content access, value perception, likelihood of behavioral adherence and overall satisfaction. Results: Following the intervention, 94% of participants reported improved understanding of their condition, with 63.6% noting significant improvement. Approximately 67.2% rated the educational materials as very valuable and 84% indicated they were likely to follow health recommendations. Confidence in managing one’s condition rose to 95% and overall satisfaction reached 93%. Most users found the platform easy to access (68.5%) and the content simple to understand (85.7%). Conclusions: LiberatePro™ demonstrated strong feasibility, acceptability and user engagement. By delivering culturally relevant information without technological friction, the intervention addressed key educational gaps in cervical cancer awareness. These findings support the role of digital health tools in enhancing screening uptake and preventive behavior, although long-term studies are required to measure sustained impact on health outcomes.
- Research Article
- 10.11604/pamj.2025.52.175.49492
- Dec 19, 2025
- Pan African Medical Journal
- Oluyemi Peter Atibioke + 11 more
Introduction: cervical cancer remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, particularly among women of reproductive age. This study investigated knowledge, risk perception, practices, and barriers to cervical cancer vaccination and screening among women living with HIV in North Central Nigeria. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective public health interventions. Methods: a cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 991 women of reproductive age randomly selected through a systematic sampling technique among those attending various ART clinics in Kwara and Niger States. Facilities were purposively selected among ART clinics across the three senatorial districts of each State. Data were collected using a 77-item semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact at α0.05. Results: despite the relatively high educational level among participants, 61.5% had never been screened for cervical cancer, and 96.3% had never been vaccinated. Cervical cancer awareness was high (76.2%), but comprehensive knowledge was low (34.6%). Key barriers included fear of pain, fear of positive results, logistic challenges, and cultural factors. Higher educational attainment and urban residency were associated with better knowledge and practices. Conclusion: there are significant gaps between awareness and actual practice of cervical cancer preventive measures among women living with HIV in North Central, Nigeria. Also, there exist various barriers that need to be addressed through various strategies highlighted in the study. These interventions are essential to increasing screening and vaccination rates and ultimately reducing the burden of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in North Central Nigeria.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s11606-025-10080-0
- Dec 18, 2025
- Journal of general internal medicine
- Rebekah Pratt + 16 more
Somali American women have lower cervical cancer screening rates than the general US population. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing on self-collected samples (HPV self-sampling) has the potential to address cervical cancer screening disparities affecting Somali American women. This study aimed to understand Somali American women's perspectives on cervical cancer screening and HPV self-sampling. Forty-four Somali American women participated in six focus groups. Participants were between 30 and 65years old and were eligible for cervical cancer screening. The discussions focused on women's experiences with cervical cancer screening, barriers to screening, views on HPV self-sampling, and recommendations to increase screening participation. While some participants' prior experiences with cervical cancer screening were positive, many reported coercive, distressing, and frightening experiences with screening. A range of barriers was reported, and these included fear, distrust, low awareness of cervical cancer, modesty concerns, being circumcised, and limited access, including not being offered screening. Participants viewed HPV self-sampling favorably, with minor concerns about test validity or ability to collect samples correctly. Overall, participants felt HPV self-sampling should be routinely offered to all Somali American patients. Offering HPV self-sampling to Somali American women could be an important tool to address barriers related to modesty and access to care and may be most effective implemented alongside education to raise awareness about cervical cancer. This modality may be particularly important for patients who have had traumatic or coercive screening experiences and for patients who have experienced female genital circumcision. NCT05453006.
- Research Article
- 10.1158/1538-7755.asgcr25-abstract-74
- Dec 1, 2025
- Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
- Siyabonga B Dlamini + 6 more
Abstract Purpose: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer- related deaths among women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Screening programs, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, play a crucial role in early detection and significantly reduce the risk of advanced cervical cancer. However, awareness and participation in screening programs vary widely, often hindered by factors like limited healthcare access, cultural barriers, and lack of education on cervical cancer. Increasing awareness and access to screening is essential for reducing cervical cancer incidence and promoting women’s health globally. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards cervical cancer screening among women in a resource-limited setting in South Africa. Methods: The baseline survey was conducted in the sub-districts of Abaqulusi, eDumbe, uPhongolo, Ulundi and Nongoma targeting community members at 52 healthcare facilities. Each clinic aimed to recruit 50 participants, reaching a total of 26,000 respondents. The survey training for CBO personnel covered research principles, ethics, informed consent, questionnaire content, and recruitment strategies, ensuring accurate and culturally sensitive data collection. Results: The survey results indicate variability in baseline knowledge across facilities, with median knowledge scores ranging from 36.7% to 86.7%, and an overall median of 60%. This variation reflects significant disparities in cervical cancer awareness and screening knowledge, likely influenced by location-specific factors and resource availability. Sub-district analysis showed eDumbe with a mean score of 58.4%, Abaqulusi at 57.1%, and uPhongolo at 55.9%, suggesting a uniform yet limited awareness level across regions. Conclusion: These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted educational interventions to enhance cervical cancer screening awareness, especially in lower-scoring areas. The results of this baseline survey will inform future training efforts, the development of tailored health education materials, and the implementation of screening programs across all sub-districts in the coming year. Such efforts are crucial in building community capacity for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, ultimately aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality rates within the KwaZulu-Natal region. Citation Format: Siyabonga B. Dlamini, Nocawe Ndukula, Nkosana Jafta, Zamasomi P. B. Luvuno, Gugu Gigaba, Khumbulani W. Hlongwana, Themba G. Ginindza. Baseline Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in the Zululand District, South Africa [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 74.