Attitudes and knowledge levels of women of reproductive age towards the early diagnosis of cervical cancer

This research was planned in order to determine the attitudes and knowledge levels of women of reproductive age towards the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. The study, which is Decipherable in cross-sectional type, was conducted with 340 women aged between 18-49 years in Antalya Kemer State Hospital. Personal Information Form and Attitude Scale for Early Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer (SKETTÖ) forms were used. The data was collected by e-mail, whatsapp, online and in writing. For the analysis of the data, number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum-maximum values, t test and ANOVA test were used. The mean total score of the women participating in the study was found to be 87.17±13.97 (min:70, max:130). The total SKETTÖ scale score was higher in the 18-28 age group, university/college graduates, working women with good income levels, singles, city dwellers, smokers and alcohol users, condom users as a contraceptive method, women who regularly undergo gynecological examinations and women who have received the HPV vaccine compared to other groups. As the level of education increases, the average score of SKETTO increases, and the average score of single women's SKETTO is higher, and a statistically significant difference was found. the most common reason for not having a gynecological examination was stated as "lack of complaints" (53.7%). 47.9% of women stated that they did not know the transmission route of HPV, which is an important factor in cervical cancer, and only 7.9% had received the HPV vaccine. He also stated that the majority of women do not know the risk factors for cervical cancer. As a result of the study; It was found that the average SKETTÖ score of women is at a low level, the level of education, marital status and the attitudes of women towards the early diagnosis of cervical cancer are also effective in considering themselves at risk for cervical cancer. Awareness and training programs for the awareness of women about cervical cancer and society should be done, it is vital to encourage women to participate in cervical cancer screening programme health workers. Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Early Diagnosis, Reproductive Health, Pap Smear, HPV