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Awareness and Practices Related to Cervical Cancer among Females in Saudi Arabia

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Listed:
  • Heba M. Zahid

    (Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia)

  • Alma B. Qarah

    (Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia)

  • Amal M. Alharbi

    (Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia)

  • Arwa E. Alomar

    (Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia)

  • Shaimaa A. Almubarak

    (Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42353, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common risk factor for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be prevented with vaccination and early screening methods using pap smears. However, the acceptance of these approaches can be affected by the awareness level of the population. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess knowledge and practices related to cervical cancer among women in the Al Madinah Province in Saudi Arabia. A total of 1489 responses were included in the analysis. The median awareness score related to cervical cancer was eight out of 20 points. Vaginal bleeding, dyspareunia, and leg pain were correctly identified by 79.8%, 43.7%, and 19.3% of the women, respectively. Thirty-four percent of the study sample knew that the sexually transmitted virus is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Only 44.6% were able to correctly identify pap smear as a screening tool, and 12.6% knew that there was a HPV vaccine. This study revealed a low to moderate awareness level toward cervical cancer, pap smear, and HPV vaccine. Thus, awareness campaigns are urgently needed to increase the awareness level for early detection and prevention of the disease.

Suggested Citation

  • Heba M. Zahid & Alma B. Qarah & Amal M. Alharbi & Arwa E. Alomar & Shaimaa A. Almubarak, 2022. "Awareness and Practices Related to Cervical Cancer among Females in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:3:p:1455-:d:736017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jonah Musa & Chad J Achenbach & Linda C O’Dwyer & Charlesnika T Evans & Megan McHugh & Lifang Hou & Melissa A Simon & Robert L Murphy & Neil Jordan, 2017. "Effect of cervical cancer education and provider recommendation for screening on screening rates: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(9), pages 1-28, September.
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