Exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practices on cervical cancer screening and their associated factors among female university students at Debre Markos University, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION

Cervical cancer (CC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women. It is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. Ethiopia is one of the Sub-Saharan countries where cervical cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, following breast cancer. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of female university students regarding cervical cancer screening and associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Markos University from June to September 2024, involving 103 female university students. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and the Kobo Toolbox software. The data were checked for completeness, coded, and entered into SPSS version 26 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed; covariates with p < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were included.

RESULTS

Of all the respondents, only 11.7 % got married. The majority of participants were Orthodox Christians (66.0%). According to 92.2 % of the study participants, the primary risk factor for cervical cancer was infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). More than half 57(55.3 %) of the respondents had good knowledge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results revealed that Orthodox Christian religion (AOR = 20.909, 95 % CI = 3.317-131.800) and urban residents (AOR = 4.303, 95 % CI = 1.168-15.846) were associated with positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening.

CONCLUSION

In general, more than half of the respondents, 57(55.3%) had good knowledge. Additionally, almost half 49(47.6%) of the participants had a positive attitude. However, the study participants had not been screened for cervical cancer in the past three years.