Title: [Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the Pap smear among women with cervical cancer]

POPLINE Document Number: 315160

Author(s):

Brenna SM
Hardy E
Zeferino LC
Namura I

Source citation:

Cadernos de Saude Publica, 2001 Jul-Aug;17(4):909-914.

Abstract:

Despite screening programs, Brazil has a high cervical cancer mortality rate. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to analyze knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the Pap smear and to understand why women fail to submit to this screening test. A structured questionnaire was used to interview 138 women: 90 with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia and 48 with invasive cervical cancer. Inadequate practices were more frequent among women with invasive cancer. In terms of difficulties in obtaining medical care, more than 80% of women reported lack of motivation, 60% reported that physicians failed to conduct a complete physical examination, and some 50% reported that physicians' schedules were busy. Having a Pap smear usually depended on a physician's request and the woman being symptomatic. Women over than 56 years old showed more frequent inadequate knowledge, attitudes and practices. However, those with more schooling were more knowledgeable of the Pap smear procedure. Age and less schooling could be barriers against women participating in screening programs , but socioeconomic problems must also be considered for improving practices related to the Pap smear. (author's)

Keywords:

Brazil
Research Report
KAP Surveys
Women
Cervical Cancer
Pap Smear
Utilization of Health Care
Program Accessibility
Educational Status
Age Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
South America, Eastern
South America
Latin America
Americas
Developing Countries
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Demographic Factors
Population
Cancer
Neoplasms
Diseases
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Examinations and Diagnoses
Medical Procedures
Medicine
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Program Evaluation
Programs
Organization and Administration
Socioeconomic Status
Economic Factors
Population Characteristics