Women's Knowledge of Cervical Cancer: A cross-sectional study in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention among Omani women aged 20-65 years.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study took place across eight primary healthcare institutions in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman, between November 2018 and February 2019. It was carried out on the basis of a predesigned, validated and self-administered questionnaire containing 55 questions.

RESULTS

Data from 791 completed questionnaires were included in the final analysis, which represents a response rate of 79.1%. The results indicated that 86.7% of surveyed women had previously heard of cervical cancer and 13.0% expected this disease to affect them in the future. The results also showed that women were less aware of the association between the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer (24.7%). The participants considered the HPV infection and initiation of sexual intercourse below 17 years of age as the lowest risks associated with cervical cancer. Moreover, 63.8% of the participants were unaware of the availability of a vaccination 'against HPV-related cervical cancer' and many respondents were unaware of a Pap test. Those women aged over 30 years, married and with a high level of education were more likely to be aware of cervical cancer.

CONCLUSION

Generally, there was inadequate knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among women aged 20-65 years. Young women aged 20-30 years showed relatively lesser knowledge of cervical cancer as compared to their older counterparts. Thus, concerted efforts are needed to promote such awareness among women in Oman.