Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer Research Articles

Development and validation of the African Women Awareness of CANcer (AWACAN) tool for breast and cervical cancer

BackgroundMeasuring factors influencing time to presentation is important in developing and evaluating interventions to promote timely cancer diagnosis, yet there is a lack of validated, culturally relevant measurement tools. This study aimed to develop and validate the African Women Awareness of CANcer (AWACAN) tool to measure awareness of breast and cervical cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodsDevelopment of the AWACAN tool followed 4 steps: 1) Item generation based on existing measures and relevant literature. 2) Refinement of items via assessment of content and face validity using cancer experts’ ratings and think aloud interviews with community participants in Uganda and South Africa. 3) Administration of the tool to community participants, university staff and cancer experts for assessment of validity using test-retest reliability (using Intra-Class Correlation (ICC) and adjusted Kappa coefficients), construct validity (comparing expert and community participant responses using t-tests) and internal reliability (using the Kuder-Richarson (KR-20) coefficient). 4) Translation of the final AWACAN tool into isiXhosa and Acholi.ResultsICC scores indicated good test-retest reliability (≥ 0.7) for all breast cancer knowledge domains and cervical cancer risk factor and lay belief domains. Experts had higher knowledge of breast cancer risk factors (p < 0.001), and cervical cancer risk factors (p = 0.003) and symptoms (p = 0.001) than community participants, but similar knowledge of breast cancer symptoms (p = 0.066). Internal reliability for breast cancer risk factors, lay beliefs and symptom and cervical cancer symptom subscales was good with KR-20 values > 0.7, and lower (0.6) for the cervical cancer risk subscale.ConclusionThe final AWACAN tool includes items on socio-demographic details; breast and cervical cancer symptom awareness, risk factor awareness, lay beliefs, anticipated help-seeking behaviour; and barriers to seeking care. The tools showed evidence of content, face, construct and internal validity and test-retrest reliability and are available for use in SSA in three languages.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH EDUCATION OF IVA EXAMINATION (VISUAL ACETIC ACETIC INSPECTION) IN IMPROVING MOTHER KNOWLEDGE DETECTING EARLY CANCER SERVICES IN THE PUSKESMAS TUMINTING

Background: Symptoms of cervical cancer are often not realized by women so that 70% of cases that occur are found in an advanced stage. This illustrates the still low active participation of women in screening or early detection of cervical cancer (Riksani, 2016). Aims: This study aims to determine the effect of health education on maternal knowledge about VIA examination (Visual Inspection of Acetic Acid) as early detection of cervical cancer in the working area of ​​Tuminting Health Center. Methods: This research method uses a One-Group pre-post test Design to 36 respondents were included in the inclusion criteria by accidental sampling. The measuring instrument used was a questionnaire. Data analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test with a significance level (α) 0.05. Result: The results of this study were obtained from a statistical test of p = 0,000, meaning that the p-value ≤0.05. Conclusion: It was concluded that Ha was accepted, meaning that there was an influence of health education on maternal knowledge about the importance of VIA examination (Visual Inspection of Acetic Acid) as an effort to detect early cervical cancer in the working area of ​​Tuminting Puskesmas. Suggestions for further researchers to conduct a similar study with different research methods such as quasi-experiments with group control.

A study on awareness of cervical cancer and human papilloma virus vaccine among the women’s degree college students in Nandyal

Background: In India cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer mortality in women after carcinoma breast. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the principal causative agent for cervical cancer. FDA approved 2 vaccines for primary prevention, and is available in India, but is not part of National Immunization Programme. Due to societal, religious and ethical issues associated with the vaccination of adolescent girls in India together with lack of awareness about HPV and HPV vaccines, no successful HPV immunization program has been employed in India. To study the awareness of Degree college students on cervical cancer and HPV vaccine.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at SPY REDDY Women’s Degree College, Nandyal from 16th December 2018 to 15th February 2019. The participants were 327 Degree students of first to final year. Students who were not present during the study were excluded from the study. The data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. The data was analysed by using spss version 24 and the results expressed as proportions.Results: The mean age of participants was 19.53±1.26 years. 89% of the students were unmarried and 11% were married. 46.4% of the students were aware of cervical cancer. Poor genital hygiene (11.2%), smoking and alcohol (5.8%), multiple sex partners (4.3%), sex at an early age (3.4%), long term OCP usage (2.5%) were considered as risk factors for cervical cancer by the students. 18.4% of the students had knowledge about HPV virus. Among the students who knew about cervical cancer, 22.3% of the students responded as vaginal bleeding after menopause is a symptom of cervical cancer, 8.1% responded as bleeding during or after sex, 3.4% as pain during sex, 1.6% as severe low backache. Only 1% knows about Pap smear. Only 12% know about the vaccine. Only 4% correctly knew the vaccine eligibility. None of the students were HPV vaccinated.Conclusions: The level of awareness of students about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine is far below for effective vaccination and prevention of carcinoma cervix. More effective awareness programmes are needed to screen early for cervical cancer and vaccinate &amp; prevent the high mortality from carcinoma cervix.

A mixed methods, community-based investigation on women's cancer awareness in Haiti.

Despite a high number of cases, the awareness of breast and cervical cancer in Haiti and other low and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains relatively unknown. The objective of the research was to understand perceptions and attitudes towards breast and cervical cancer in Haiti through community-engaged research. We report Haitians perceptions of breast and cervical cancer symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, community support and access to medical services. Five non-governmental Haitian organisations performed a large survey across the country of Haiti in 2015. The survey and focus groups addressed demographics, reported knowledge of women's cancer, infrastructural issues and barriers to care, communication and media channels. The mixed quantitative and qualitative surveys with open- and closed-ended questions were administered to 414 participants aged 13-65 (75% of whom were women). A separate, smaller survey on community support and gender-based violence was conducted in 50 breast cancer patients and survivors as well. The quantitative data indicate low levels of knowledge about cancer across all geographic regions of the country amongst men and women. After coding participants' qualitative responses as "accurate" or "not accurate", we determined the percentage of accurate responses related to knowledge. Data are reported broken down by geographic region, education, economic status and sex. Approximately one in five respondents reported knowing how a woman contracts breast or cervical cancer. Only 30% reported to know complications of breast cancer and 22% the complications of cervical cancer. When asked if they knew where to get a test for breast cancer, 20% said yes and 33% said they knew where to get a test for cervical cancer. The wealthiest and best educated generally had the most knowledge, but the poorest consistently had the second best. Forty percent of cancer patients reported to be victims of on-going gender-based violence. Further investigation should be undertaken examining the role of gender-based violence and to address the knowledge of the working poor.

Symptom awareness measures for breast and cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, while cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death. Women often fail to recognise or misinterpret possible symptoms, so breast and cervical cancer symptom awareness information can promote timely help-seeking behaviour, diagnosis and start of treatment. Aim: To identify tools that have been utilised to measure breast and cervical cancer symptom awareness in SSA and to establish if such tools have been validated in SSA populations. Methods: A scoping review of articles published between January 1997 and February 2017, written in English and describing primary research in breast and/or cervical cancer symptom awareness-related topics in SSA contexts, was undertaken across five databases. The approach was supported by Colquhoun et al.’s methodological framework for scoping reviews. Results: A total of 41 studies were included from 11 SSA countries. Almost half (20/41) used breast and/or cervical cancer symptom awareness tools but did not report on tool validation processes. The rest (21/41) made reference to some tool validation, yet only two reported a detailed account of their tool validation processes. One explored lay perceptions of breast cancer, while the other sought to establish the validity and reliability of a UK tool in a Kenyan context. Conclusion: The findings point to the dearth of comprehensively validated and culturally relevant tools to measure breast and cervical cancer symptom awareness in the SSA context. They have informed the development and validation of an African Women Awareness of CANcer (AWACAN) tool, which can support the development and evaluation of interventions relevant to the SSA context.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES RELATED TO CERVICAL CANCER

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. Eighty-six percent of all cervical cancer diagnosed and 88% of death due to cervical cancer occur in developing regions of the world&#x0D; Material and methods: A facility based cross sectional study was done 500 women of reproductive age group (15-45 years).&#x0D; Results: A total of 500 women are approached for interview, in which 420(84.00%) had not heard about cervical cancer, only 16.00% women had knowledge about cervical cancer. About 80.00% women had positive attitude about cervical cancer screening &amp; it’s vaccine.&#x0D; Conclusions: Women need more information about cervical cancer risk factors, symptoms and screening program.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES RELATED TO CERVICAL CANCER.

Background: Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from cells originating in cervix uteri. It may be completely asymptomatic in early stages.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A facility based cross sectional study was done 200 women of reproductive age group (15-45 years) who present to out-patient department in gynecology.&#x0D; Results: A total of 200 women are approached for interview, in which 182(91.00%) had not heard about cervical cancer, only 9.00% women had knowledge about cervical cancer. About 82.00% women had positive attitude about cervical cancer screening &amp; it’s vaccine.&#x0D; Conclusions: Women need more information about cervical cancer risk factors, symptoms and screening program.&#x0D; Keywords: Cervical cancer, awareness, screening.

Knowledge and Acceptability of Cervical Cancer Screening among Adult Women Visiting in Gynecological OPD

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer among women developing countries. Pap smear is a very significant screening test for reduction of incidence and mortality from cervical cancer. The pap smear test detect precancerous cell change on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The objective of this research is to find out the knowledge and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among adult women.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional research design was conducted among 425 gynecological patients of Bharatpur hospital OPD of 30 to59 years of age. Semi structured questionnaire was used in data collection.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of participants was 40.07±7.9 years. Majority of the respondents, 247 (58.1%) had good knowledge in cervical cancer screening and 282 (66.4%) of the respondent accepted Pap smear test. Mean knowledge score on sign and symptom of cervical cancer was 62.1%, in risk factor was 72.8% and in preventive measure was 82%. Study showed the association between respondents knowledge of cervical cancer screening with educational status (p=0.04), religion (p=0.01) at 0.05 level of significance. There was association between respondents’ level of knowledge and acceptability of cervical cancer screening (p=0.02) at 0.05 level of significance.&#x0D; Conclusions: Majority of participant had never screened for cervical cancer, information get from health care provider was poor and acceptability rate is low. So the study recommends that health care provider should provide the information education and communication (IEC) at all level of delivery towards cervical cancer screening.

Cervical Cancer Screening: Assessment of Perception and Utilization of Services among Health Workers in Low Resource Setting

Background Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and the most common cancer among women in Nigeria. Objectives To appraise the perception and utilization of cervical cancer screening services among female nurses in Federal Teaching hospital, Abakaliki. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was done using semi-structured questionnaires on 408 consenting female nurses. Data was represented using simple percentages, charts, and Chi-square. Results Of the 408 questionnaires shared, 388 were correctly and completely filled and analyzed. The respondents in this study showed good knowledge of cervical cancer as all (388) were aware that cervical cancer is a preventable disease of public health concern. Majority of them, 179 (46.1%) were between 21 and 30 years of age. The most common symptom of cervical cancer identified was postcoital bleeding (57%). Nursing training was the most common (73.5%) source of cervical cancer information. Utilization of cervical cancer screening was poor in this study as only 20.6% of the respondents had ever undergone screening. The most common reason for nonscreening was that they have not thought of it (28.4%). Conclusion Despite the high level of awareness of cervical cancer screening, utilization remains low. There is, therefore, the need for cervical cancer education for the nurses to help improve utilization.

Women\u2019s knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to breast and cervical cancers in rural Zimbabwe: a cross sectional study in Mudzi District, Mashonaland East Province

BackgroundBreast and cervical cancers constitute the most common cancers among women in sub-Saharan Africa. In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer accounts for more than a third of all cancers among women of African descent. Cancer knowledge levels, attitudes and practices of people in different sections of society should be assessed in order to guide current cancer interventions. This study aimed to assess breast and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices of women of reproductive age, in Mudzi District, Republic of Zimbabwe.MethodsA cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted. A total of 409 survey household questionnaires were administered to women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in 2014.ResultsA total of 409 respondents were interviewed. Nearly 85% of respondents had heard of cancer. 34.2% did not know of any cervical cancer risk factors and 51% were not familiar with the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. Fifty five percent (55%) had not discussed cancer issues with partners in the past 12 months, and only 27.4% had discussed cancer issues with partners at all. Most of the respondents (96.2%) had never undergone cervical cancer screening. The majority of the respondents (70.8%) had never discussed breast cancer issues with community members. About 70% had never discussed cervical cancer issues with community members.ConclusionsThis study revealed a lack of awareness and comprehensive knowledge about breast and cervical cancer. It also revealed low self-risk perception, low uptake of cancer early detection services and low capacity of the local health institution in offering cancer services. It is recommended that the scaling-up of cancer information, dissemination, and early detection services must be prioritised, including training of local health institutions.

Assessing the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women aged 25-65 years in Kumbo West Health District, Cameroon.

IntroductionCervical cancer remains one of the leading health hazards affecting a majority women across the globe. The situation is even more, preoccupying particularly in areas where screening programmes and services are absent. The World Health Organization (WHO) says “cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women, with an estimated 570,000 new cases diagnosed in 2018 which represents 6.6% of all female cancers. Approximately 90% of deaths from cervical cancer occurred in low- and middle-income countries”. Despite the high mortality rate from cervical cancer globally, the trend could be reduced through a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, early diagnosis, effective screening and treatment programmes. In Cameroon, the prevalence of cervical cancer is 24% among women of reproductive age. An estimated 1,993 new cases are recorded annually in Cameroon with 1676 deaths. Despite this precarious situation, the uptake in cervical cancer screening service remains poor and stands at 19.6% in Cameroon. It is against this background that this paper evaluates the uptake of cervical cancer among women aged 25-65 years in the Kumbo West Health District (KWHD). Specifically, this study assesses the knowledge of women in this health district on cervical cancer and determines factors that affect the uptake of cervical cancer screening services.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study in the KWHD involving 253 consented women between the ages 25 to 65 years. The principal research instrument was a three-part questionnaire designed to collect information on socio-demographic profile, cervical cancer knowledge and associated factors for uptake in cervical cancer screening. Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using Excel. Results were presented in tables and figures.ResultsOur study reveals that a majority of the participants (74.70%) had heard of cervical cancer and 43.48% had undergone cervical cancer screening. Again, 24.51% and 29.25% of the participants respectively could not identify any risk factor and symptom of cervical cancer.ConclusionThe study revealed that the uptake of cervical cancer screening in KWHD is higher than the national uptake. The level of awareness on the risk factors and symptoms of cervical cancer is low, posing a need to put more emphasis on educating and creating awareness of cervical cancer among communities on risk factors, prevention measures and signs and symptoms in all the health areas of the KWHD.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the screening of cervical cancer among women in New Delhi, India.

Objective:Cervical cancer is one of the major concerns of public health importance in today's world. It is a leading cause of mortality in women of reproductive age group worldwide, mainly in developing countries. Reduction in mortality and morbidity due to cervical cancer is possible through early detection and treatment. The major factors influencing the early detection of cervical cancer are knowledge regarding risk factors, screening, Pap smear, and symptoms among women.Materials and Methods:The present cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of women about the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention of cervical cancer. Data were obtained from 220 women who visited international trade fair using a pretested self-administered questionnaire.Results:Only 75 study women (50.0%) had ever heard of cervical cancer. The knowledge regarding cervical cancer and its various domains was significantly higher in students and unmarried women. The foul-smelling vaginal discharge was the most common early symptom of cervical cancer according to most of the study women (26, 17.3%). Most of the study women (19, 12.7%) reported tobacco and smoking as the most common risk factor associated with cervical cancer. Only 39 women (26%) had ever heard of cervical cancer screening. Only 27 women (18.0%) ever had Pap smear done in the past and 87 women (58.0%) were willing to undergo cervical cancer screening is offered free of cost.Conclusion:The study demonstrates the lack of awareness in women regarding cervical cancer and its screening modalities. This necessitates spreading awareness regarding early symptoms and risk factors associated with cervical cancer for early detection and treatment initiation.

Awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening methods among women attending primary healthcare centers in Zaria, North-Western, Nigeria

Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in many developing countries. Cervical cancer can be prevented by screening and treatment of premalignant lesions of the cervix. Primary healthcare centers are the health centers closest to the grassroots in Nigeria and thus may be appropriate for population-based cervical cancer screening programs. This study sought to assess awareness of cervical cancer and its screening methods among women attending primary healthcare centers in Zaria, Nigeria. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study. Participants were women accessing healthcare in primary healthcare centers in Zaria. Eight primary healthcare centers in Zaria were purposively selected for the study. Data were obtained by focus group discussions (FGDs). The FGDs were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts obtained were analyzed into themes based on the objectives of the study. Results: The mean age of respondents was 26 years (standard deviation 4.9 years). Many participants were aware of symptoms of cervical cancer; however, they were not aware of the risk factors. Pap smear was the only screening method known to participants. Conclusion: Awareness of cervical cancer and cervical screening did not reflect adequate knowledge about cervical cancer and screening methods. There is a need for healthcare providers to offer adequate health education about the disease and screening methods.

P1-141 - Awareness towards cervical cancer in undergraduate students

Background: Cervical cancer sits at the top two cancer cases with mortality 10.3% in Indonesia. According to cancer research UK, cervical cancer commonly occur at ages above 50 years old, but people between 25 ¯ 29 years old is at the most risk of developing it. High mortality of cervical cancer is caused by the lack of knowledge regarding sign and symptoms of cervical cancer in the society that leads to treatment delays. The aim of this study to evaluate undergraduate students awareness toward cervical cancer. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Tangerang on early November 2017. Data were collected by filling questionnaire which assessed using cervical cancer awarness mansurement. To measure the knowledge the sign and symptoms we asked 12 questions, the total score is used to classify the range of knowledge with good knowledge (23¯33), enough (12¯22), and poor (0¯11). Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software with fisher exact test. Result: This study enrolled undergraduate students with median age 18 (17¯35) years old, which female 109 (72.2%), out of which 66.9% were medical students. There were 74 (49%) first year, 64 (42.4%) second year, 9 (6%) third year, and 4 (2.6%) fourth year. Out of the medical students, 69.8% of them have good knowledge, and 30.7% has enough knowledge of the sign and symptoms of cervical cancer. Knowledge regarding sign and symptoms in non medical student which has good knowledge 28%, enough 66%, and poor 6% with p value of 0.0001. With 18 (17.8%) of medical students and 3 (6%) non-medical students who are aware of screening method for cervical cancer. Conclusion: Results showed that medical students has better knowledge that non-medical students regarding sign and symptoms of cervical cancer. Both medical and non-medical student lack awareness and knowledge regarding screening for cervical cancer. This mean that cervical cancer program in Tangerang are still lacking.

Women's Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Relating to Breast and Cervical Cancers in Rural Zimbabwe: A Cross Sectional Study in Mudzi District, Mashonaland East Province

Background: Breast and cervical cancer constitute the most common cancers among women in sub-Saharan Africa. In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer accounts for more than a third of all cancers among women of African descent. Cancer knowledge levels, attitudes and practices of people in different sections of society, especially in remote and disadvantaged peripheral areas, should be assessed to guide current cancer interventions. Aim: This study aimed to assess breast and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices of women of reproductive age, in Mudzi District, Republic of Zimbabwe. The study forms the baseline for cancer intervention in this remote, rural district. Methods: This cross-sectional, community-based survey was conducted by triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A total of 409 survey household questionnaires were administered to women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in 2014. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to provide context for the survey responses. Results: The response rate was 100%. Nearly 85% of respondents had heard of cancer. About 34.2% did not know of any cervical cancer risk factors, while 51% were not familiar with the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. About 55% had not discussed cancer issues with partners in the past 12 months, and only 27.4% had discussed cancer issues with partners at all. Most of the respondents (96.2%) had never undergone cervical cancer screening. The majority of the respondents (70.8%) had never discussed breast cancer issues with community members. About 70% had never discussed cervical cancer issues with community members. Conclusion: This study revealed a lack of awareness and comprehensive knowledge about breast and cervical cancer. It also revealed low self-risk perception, low uptake of cancer early detection services and low capacity of local health institution in offering cancer services. It is recommended that the scaling-up of cancer information dissemination and early detection services must be prioritized, including training of local health institutions.

Exploring Iranian women\u2019s perceptions and experiences regarding cervical cancer-preventive behaviors

BackgroundPreventive behaviors regarding cervical cancer are essential for women’s health. Even though many studies have addressed women’s knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer, little information is available about their experiences of cervical cancer-preventive behaviors. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the perceptions and experiences of Iranian women regarding cervical cancer-preventive behaviors.MethodsThis study used a qualitative approach and was conducted in Zanjan, Iran. Participants included 27 women, aged 20–60 years, with no previous history of cervical cancer symptoms or diagnosis. Data were obtained through semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Inductive qualitative content analysis was employed to converge and compare themes through participant data.ResultsThe following six main themes emerged from the analysis: attitudes toward cervical cancer and preventive behaviors, preventive behaviors’ concept, self-care, religion and culture, perceived social support, and awareness about cervical cancer and preventive behavior. The findings revealed that several women had misconceptions about cervical cancer and were even superstitious about the causes of it. Fear, shame, and embarrassment were reasons for not undertaking cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer was also linked to worries about decreased marital satisfaction, sexuality, and femininity. However, religion was considered a positive factor to conducting cancer-preventive behaviors.ConclusionsThis study showed that improving knowledge about the causes of cervical cancer, increasing awareness of the potential consequences of it, and creating positive attitudes toward screening behavior might encourage Iranian women to perform cervical cancer-preventive behaviors.

Awareness of cervical cancer among women attending an HIV treatment centre: a cross-sectional study from Morocco

ObjectiveTo explore awareness about cervical cancer among Moroccan women attending an HIV treatment centre in Laâyoune city, Morocco.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2017 using a knowledge...

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Reproductive Aged Woman Towards Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) Test in Puskesmas Kecamatan Makasar

Cervical cancer is one of the top cause mortality in female in Indonesia. Nowadays cervical cancer is the 2nd from 10 cancers with highest incidences in the country with 40.000 numbers of cases every year. Even in DKI Jakarta, the incidences of cervical cancer have reached 5919 cases per year. The symptoms of cervical cancer only occur when it is already in late stadium. Therefore, productive age female should aware to do VIA test routinely to prevent the cancer. However, productive age female awareness to do IVA test still low especially in low education country like Indonesia. This study aims are to see the relationship between knowledge with attitude, and behavior about VIA examination in married woman in Puskesmas Kecamatan Makasar, East Jakarta. This study is using cross-sectional method with 97 samples that are married woman that visit Puskesmas Kecamatan Makasar, East Jakarta, who passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected by using questionnaire. Result: 66% of respondents have an average level of knowledge and only 5,2% who have a good level of knowledge about VIA test. The good attitude for doing VIA test was up to 47,4%, however the behaviour of doing VIA test shows different result that 79,40% have bad behaviour. There is no significant correlation between knowledge with attitude and behavior about VIA examination (p = 0,323; p = 0,217). From the study, there is no correlation between knowledge with attitude and behavior to do VIA examination.

What do lebanese women know about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus? a report on awareness levels in urban communities

Background: To evaluate the knowledge of Lebanese women about cervical cancer's symptoms and risk factors and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. To measure the uptake of the cervical cancer screening test (Pap smear) and that of HPV vaccination. Methods & Materials: 444 women residing in Beirut and Mount-Lebanon, with no medical background, filled out a 32 item questionnaire about cervical cancer and HPV. Collected data was exported to and analyzed in SPSS® v. 21.0. Results: Most participants were young (45.7% aged 18 to 25), residing in Mount-Lebanon (51.8%), Christian (50.7%), single (49.3%), with high education qualifications (73.9%) and currently employed (49.1%) in a field not related to health (84.9%). 64.6% did not visit a general physician nor a gynecologist regularly. 85.6% were aware of cervical cancer. 53.9% correctly identified HPV infection involvement in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. 35.6% were aware of HPV infection but 80.4% believed their information was lacking. 37.6% of participants had been screened by Pap smear for cervical cancer at least once in their lives whereas 9% did not know what a Pap smear was. Screening was significantly associated with cervical cancer awareness and regular visits to general health physicians and gynecologists. 11.7% of participants aged 18 to 35 were vaccinated against HPV. Vaccination uptake was significantly associated with cervical cancer awareness, religion, field of work and studies, and regular visits to gynecologists. Conclusion: Urban Lebanese women are not well informed about cervical cancer and HPV. Screening by Pap smear and HPV vaccination uptakes are non-satisfactory.

Knowledge and attitudes about cervical cancer and its prevention among female secondary school students in Nigeria.

To ascertain the level of awareness and attitudes towards cervical cancer among secondary school students in Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey of 432 female senior secondary school students in south-eastern Nigeria. A total of 321 (74.3%) responses were valid; 42.7% had heard of cervical cancer, 32.8% of screening, 23.2% of Pap smears and 22.0% of HPV/HPV vaccinations. No widely available reliable source of information exists. General knowledge about Pap smears (41.8%) and HPV (43.1%) was poor, as was specific knowledge about their benefits, timing and frequency, and about HPV vaccinations, but associated attitudes were moderately positive at 60.2% and 65.1%, respectively. Awareness of cervical cancers increases knowledge about when to start screening (OR=2.30; P=0.02) and about early symptoms of cervical cancer (OR=2.56; P=0.001). Overall knowledge of cervical cancer is poor, but attitudes are positive. Awareness campaigns are therefore necessary, and are expected to be effective. Campaigns should target teenage females, and commencing teaching in high schools of developing countries, through materials included in their academic curricula, is recommended.