Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most widespread and major causes of women's death in developing countries. The aim of this study was to the assessment of the knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer among women in the south of Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 women who referred to Shariati Hospital. Data collection was done by using a questionnaire consisted of three sections (demographic information, knowledge, and attitude). Total score of knowledge score was classified as low=less than 50%, moderate=50-75%, and good=75-100%. Also, attitude total score of less than 50% indicated negative, 50-70%=neutral, and 75-100%=positive. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 with the required central criteria, Pearson correlation coefficient, and analysis of variance.
Result: Our findings showed that the mean age of the subjects was 34.49±8.9 years. Also, it suggested that 43 subjects (21.5%) had low, 133 (66.5%) moderate and 24 (12%) good level of knowledge. Knowledge of cervical cancer was significantly associated with education level (P-value= 0.014). Also, one subject (0.5% (had negative, 93 (46.5%) neutral, and 106 (53%) had a positive attitude toward cervical cancer. A significant difference showed that between attitude and education level (P-value=0.001).
Conclusion: According to the results, the programs that could raise knowledge and change attitudes about cervical cancer prevention is recommended.