CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Knowledge of cervical cancer and attitudes toward screening among women in Thesprotia Prefecture, Greece: A call for awareness campaigns
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University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Publication date: 2025-10-24
Eur J Midwifery 2025;9(Supplement 1):A68
ABSTRACT
Overview:
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Despite
preventive efforts such as vaccination at the primary level and screening through Pap tests at
the secondary level, cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates remain high.
Aims and Objectives:
The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge and attitudes of the female population
in Thesprotia towards cervical cancer screening.
Method:
This cross-sectional study was conducted by using self-administered questionnaires. The
study population consisted of 100 women recruited from the obstetrics and gynecological
clinic at the Health Center of Igoumenitsa, between July and December 2024. Data was
analyzed by using IBM SPSS-Statistics. The study followed ethical guidelines, and informed
consent was obtained from all participants.
Results:
According to the results, 53% (n=53 women) stated that it is important to undergo a Pap test for the prevention of cervical cancer. A statistically significant correlation was found,
between the level of education of the women surveyed and their knowledge of what the Pap test is (p=0,02). Additionally, 31% (n=31) associated cervical cancer with viral infections, and 54% (n=54) believed it could be prevented by the Pap smear. There was a correlation between the respondents' educational level and the view on what is mainly causally associated with cervical cancer (p=0,007). Almost all of them (n=95), stated that they regularly undergo Pap tests. Finally, 81% (n=81) of respondents expressed their desire for more information about the Pap test, with most (54%) (n=54) considering Primary Health Care as the most appropriate source for this information.
Conclusion:
Although a high percentage of women regularly undergo gynecological screening, the study
underscores the ongoing need for continuous information and awareness campaigns.
Ensuring that women are well-informed about cervical cancer prevention and the benefits of regular screening is essential for improving public health outcomes.