Awareness, Knowledge and Practice of Adult Saudi Females about Cervical Cancer Screening, in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common female cancer. Lack of knowledge and poor attitude towards the disease and risk factors can affect screening practice and development of preventive behavior for cervical cancer. It accounts for 2.6% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Saudi females. Aim: To assess awareness, knowledge and practice towards cervical cancer and Pap smear among Saudi females in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional survey was applied targeting women attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology Departments in Aseer Region. Data were collected using a pre-structured direct interview questionnaire. Awareness and knowledge were assessed using seven questions with one single correct answer for each. Practice regarding Pap smear was assessed using three questions. Results: This survey included 1116 women from Aseer Region, whose ages ranged from 18 to 58 years, with a mean age of 33.5 years. Only 36.6% had heard about cancer of the cervix, and 24.3% knew about screening methods. Very few had good knowledge regarding cancer of the cervix. As for practice, only 27% underwent Pap smear, while only 23.7% were advised to undergo Pap smear by their physicians. Conclusions: Saudi females' knowledge regarding cancer of the cervix and its screening methods is poor. More attention should be paid to improve their knowledge and practice regarding cervical cancer prevention.