1. Investigation of Women's Knowledge and Beliefs About Cervical Cancer and Cervical Smear Examination: A Survey Study in Greece.
- Author
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Kontonikou S, Kyrkou G, Bothou A, Nanou C, Vivilaki V, and Deltsidou A
- Abstract
Aim This study aimed to investigate women's knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer and cervical smear examinations. Methodology The research was conducted at a health center in Greece from May 15, 2023, to August 15, 2023. The study sample consisted of 160 women aged 21-65 years who attended the health center. The data were collected by using a questionnaire. The first part of the questionnaire was based on the Cervical Cancer Awareness and Symptoms Initiative (CCASI) questionnaire, while the second part used the Health Belief Model questionnaire for cervical cancer and the Champion Pap Test. Results A total of 157 participants (98.1%) reported having a Pap test at some point in their lives, and 18 (11.25%) of them had a pathological result. Many women had better knowledge about the factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer. Most participants (118, 73.8%) knew that there was a cervical cancer control program in Greece and 150 (93.8%) were aware of the HPV vaccine. Age and education were independently associated with awareness of the cervical cancer screening program in Greece. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate a positive attitude of women toward cervical cancer prevention. The level of knowledge about cervical cancer and the Papanicolaou test among the women who visited the health center was sufficient; however, there were several areas where they lacked knowledge about symptoms and risk factors. The study underlines the importance of implementing preventive measures among women for the effective fight against cervical cancer., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Ethical approval was given by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of West Attica issued approval Reference number 48320; May 17, 2023. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Kontonikou et al.)
- Published
- 2024
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