Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice regarding Pap Smear Test among Women in Ward no. 14, Dharan.

Abstract

Aims: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Pap smear test among women in ward no. 14, Dharan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in ward no-14 Dharan, Nepal. A total of 100 respondents were selected using probability systematic random sampling technique. Interview schedule with structured and semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Pap smear test. The association between independent and dependent variables was assessed using binary logistic regression model and the risk was reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The median age of the respondents was 34.83 years. Almost half (49%) of the respondents were housewife. About 45% of the respondents had education up to secondary level and 11% of the respondents were uneducated. About 41% of the respondents got information from television whereas only 30% got information from health personnel. Even though 90% of the respondents had heard about cervical cancer only 53% had heard about Pap smear test. Among 100 women 47% had adequate knowledge, 38% had adequate attitude, and only 13% had adequate practice regarding Pap smear test. Higher education had significant relation with adequate knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Pap smear test. Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Pap smear test was observed low among women. Awareness campaigns regarding Pap smear test are needed which helps to improve knowledge and in turn improves attitude and practice of tests and it is important in reducing cervical cancer to combat prevailing and future cervical cancer burden in Nepal.