Knowledge, practice and associated factors of cervical cancer screening among women health workers in Gondar University teaching and referral hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia, 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is both preventable and curable, yet morbidity and mortality from the disease remain high especially in developing countries. Request for cervical cancer screening by Pap smear and cytology or any other screening methods have been found to be exceedingly low even among health workers. Objective: This study was conducted to examine the knowledge, practice and associated factors of cervical screening among female health care providers in University of Gondar Teaching Hospital. Methodology: Intuitional based cross-sectional study was employed. Data was collected from 322female health workers through a self-administered questionnaire. The data was entered and cleaned using Epi Info version7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Result: More than half the respondents know cervical cancer is high in Ethiopia and is a public problem. Regarding knowledge about cervical cancer screening two third mentioned cervical cancer screening will detect earlier than symptom, but less half know types of screening. The practice screening was low with 0nly 18% screening themselves. None of the variables have association with knowledge of cervical cancer screening on multivariate analysis. Midwifes are 9 times more likely to practice than other and those who take training on cervical cancer screening are 4 times more likely to practice as compared to those not having. There appears to be no association between level of knowledge and practice. Discussion and Conclusion: None of the variables have association with knowledge of cervical cancer screening on multivariate analysis. Profession and in-service training were positively associated with practice towards cervical cancer screening. There appears to be no association between level of knowledge and practice. The literatures in sub-Saharan Africa have mixed finding regarding KAP towards cervical cancer screening among health care providers. More has to be done regarding health education and awareness creation among health workers to increase cervical cancer screening practice. Further study evaluating factors affecting cervical screening practice among female health care providers is needed to increase cervical cancer screening.