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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Cervical Cancer | Research

Knowledge of cervical cancer screening among Omani women attending a university teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Rahma M Al Kindi, Hana H Al Sumri, Tasneem M Al Muhdhoori, Khoula Al Mamari, Mouza A Al Kalbani, Mohammed H Al-Azri

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Objectives

To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer and Pap smear screening among Omani women attending a tertiary clinic in Muscat, Oman, and to establish correlations with selected sociodemographic factors.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out among Omani women aged 18–50 years old attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, from October 2019 to February 2020. A validated Arabic-language questionnaire was utilized to collect data regarding the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, their knowledge of cervical cancer and related risk factors, and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer screening and Pap smear testing.

Results

Of the 380 respondents, 86 and 55% had previously heard of cervical cancer and Pap smear testing, respectively; however, only 26% were knowledgeable concerning these topics. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with various sociodemographic factors, including marital status and a previous awareness of cervical cancer (odds ratio: > 1, p < 0.05). Only 21% had themselves previously undergone Pap smear testing; however, 75% reported being willing to undergo such screening in future.

Conclusions

Knowledge regarding cervical cancer-related risk factors and Pap smear screening was poor among a cohort of Omani women attending a tertiary clinic in Muscat, Oman. This may play a role in the increased frequency of cervical cancer cases observed in Oman over recent years. As such, a well-structured public education program is recommended to raise awareness of this issue.

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Title: Knowledge of cervical cancer screening among Omani women attending a university teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rahma M Al Kindi
Hana H Al Sumri
Tasneem M Al Muhdhoori
Khoula Al Mamari
Mouza A Al Kalbani
Mohammed H Al-Azri
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Human Papillomavirus
Published in: BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02870-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Knowledge of cervical cancer screening among Omani women attending a university teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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