Information, attitudes and behaviors of women in Yemen-Sanaa about cervical cancer and prevention methods

Background and aim: The research was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women in Sanaa, which is the capital of Yemen, about cervical cancer, prevention methods and human papilloma virus. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted among 400 randomly selected women in five large hospitals in Sanaa. The data showed normal distribution using parametric tests. The significant level was taken as p <0.05 at the 95% confidence level. Results: About 60% of each group patient and non-patient groups have heard of cervical cancer. Moreover, 32% non-patient group and 59% patient group have heard about the Pap smear, but only 7% non-patient group and 49% patient group have done it. Around 10% of each group have heard about HPV and 20% of each group anticipate that HPV can cause cervical cancer. People with higher education have more information about HPV, chew less kat and have less rate of cervical cancer (10%). On the other hand, the majority of the illiterate group don't have enough information about HPV, chew more kat and have higher rate of cervical cancer (57%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a very low level of knowledge about cervical cancer, Pap smear testing and HPV in a sample of Yemeni women. In order to protect women from cervical cancer, it is a critical need to provide adequate information about prevention methods, attract the attention of health professionals and the media, inform the public, raise awareness, and increase the studies on the subject. Key words: Cervical cancer, Pap smear test, Human Papilloma Virus, HPV vaccine, Yemen , Sanaa