Knowledge of cervical cancer and Papanicolaou screening practices among women of reproductive age
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68178/nvc8z382Keywords:
cervical cancer, Papanicolaou test, knowledge, screening, womenAbstract
Objective: To assess the association between knowledge of cervical cancer and Papanicolaou screening practices among women of reproductive age.
Methods: Observational, analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection in 150 women aged 15-49 years attending a Gynecology and
Obstetrics service in 2025. Knowledge was classified as low (0-13 points), medium (14-17), or high (18-20); Pap-related practices were classified as
incorrect (0-2) or correct (3-4). Prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance in crude and adjusted models. Results:
Low knowledge was found in 92.7% and correct practices in 48.7%. Correct practices occurred in 45.3% of women with low knowledge, 87.5% with
medium knowledge, and 100% with high knowledge (p=0.009). In the adjusted model, medium knowledge was associated with a higher prevalence of
correct practices (aPR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.16-2.65; p=0.008), and high knowledge showed a stronger association (aPR=2.06; 95% CI: 1.47-2.89; p<0.001).
Conclusion: Medium and high knowledge levels were associated with a higher prevalence of correct Pap-related practices. The small number of
participants in the medium- and high-knowledge categories warrants caution when interpreting effect magnitude.
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