Knowledge and perception and towards PAP Smear among women who visited health clinics in Kuala Terengganu district, 1997

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the leading cause of death among women and its incidence is on the increase. While PAP test is the effective screening method in detecting early stage of cervical cancer. Objective of this study is to determine women's knowledge and perception towards P AP test ,so that with a better understanding of these aspects, a better screening program and higher coverage can be achieved. This casecontrol study consists of 139 married women aged � 30 and have had PAP test done were classified as cases, whereas controls were 145 married women aged � 30 and never had PAP test done before. They were matched one to one by age group and health clinic. Women attended 3 of the health clinics in district Kuala Terengganu which were randomly chosen were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. All respondents ( 100% ) were Malays. There was no significant difference by social-demographic characteristic between cases and controls. Study revealed that 62.2% of cases and 46.2% of controls have a high level of knowledge regarding PAP smear. Three aspects of knowledge which contributed significantly to practice were purpose and benefit of the test, places where service is available and risk factors towards cervical cancer ( p < 0.05). Mean score perception among cases (43.34+5.18) was higher compared to the controls group (40.74+6.47), p < 0.05. Women's perception towards seriousness of the cervical cancer, perceived benefit of action that is this cancer can be detected earlier before appearance of its signs and symptoms as well as PAP test is not a harmful , discomfort and embarrassing procedure contributed significantly to the practice ( p < 0.05 ). Therefore, health education should emphasis on several aspects such as; purpose and benefit, risk factors and nature of the cervical cancer, availability of the service and a correct explanation of the PAP test procedure will increase women's knowledge. Therefor, motivate them to accept the test.