Knowledge and attitudes of women applying to a university hospital family medicine outpatient clinic regarding cervical cancer

Indroduction and Aim: Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. However, it is mostly a preventable type of cancer with regular screenings and vaccines. The aim of this study is to reveal the knowledge and attitudes of women about cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccine and the sociodemographic characteristics that affect them. Materials and Methods: This research is descriptive and cross-sectional. The study was conducted with individuals who met the inclusion criteria among women aged 18 and over who applied to Hitit University Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital Family Medicine outpatient clinic during the study period. Data were collected with a questionnaire form consisting of questions that measure sociodemographic data, cervical cancer screening, risk factors and HPV vaccine knowledge and attitude, prepared by the researcher and manager, and created with a literature review. Results: 67.1% of the women who participated in the study knew that the Pap smear test was used for cervical cancer screening, 60.1% knew that the test was performed with a liquid smear taken from the cervical region. The rate of those who knew that the HPV DNA test was also used in cervical cancer screening was 13.9%. 52.5% of the women had never had a smear test. 34.2% of those who had a smear test had it regularly in the last five years. 38% of those who had a smear test stated that they had it because of their complaints, 22% for early diagnosis, 22% on the recommendation of their doctor, and 5% because of the presence of people diagnosed with cancer in their family. 62.9% of those who did not have a smear test stated that they did not have it because they did not see any need or had no complaints. Half of the women who participated in the study had heard of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and its vaccine, but the rate of women who had HPV vaccine was 1.9%. 43% of the participants gave correct answers about the situations that pose a risk for cervical cancer. Smoking, having a family history of cervix, having more than one sexual partner, having a history of sexually transmitted diseases; These are conditions that more than half of women accept as risk factors for cervical cancer. Not using barrier contraceptive methods, using five-letter oral contraceptives for a long time, early (<16 years) mature, present at first sexual intercourse, and obesity; Although it has the capacity to pose a risk for cervical cancer, more than half of woman stated that it had no idea that these statements could increase the risk for cervical cancer. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitudes of the women who participated in the research differ according to their place of residence, education level, working status, marital status and age groups. The knowledge levels of women living in urban centers, university graduates, working and married are higher. The knowledge level of women aged between 30-65 about cervical cancer screening is more positive. Keywords: Cervical cancer, cancer, screening