Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Clients Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening at Gynecology Consultations of the University Hospital of Cocody.

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a public health problem because of its increasing prevalence and mortality in low- and middle-income countries.

Objective: To study knowledge, attitudes, and practices about CC and screening among women in a referral hospital in Côte d'Ivoire, a sub-Saharan African country.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study, from September 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021, in the obstetric gynecology consultation unit of the University Hospital of Cocody. It included patients who gave informed consent. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Epi data 3.1 software (CDC Atlanta-USA).

Results: 1200 women were included (47.2%) with a mean age of 32 years. General knowledge ranged from 6.2 to 32.7% and main risk factors were advanced age (75.2%), HIV infection (60.3%), early marriage (38.2%), and multiple sexual partners (25.8%). 975 women were able to provide a response (81.3%). 85.2% of women identified signs and symptoms: vaginal bleeding (83.6%), intermenstrual bleeding (65.1%), and foul-smelling discharge (11.9%). The level of knowledge of screening was 79% for PAP smear, 72.6% for VIA and 14.2% for LBC. A positive attitude was observed since 87.8% declared they wanted to perform screening. A significant practice (60.4%) was demonstrated, and the screening tests used were visual inspection with acetic acid (52.6%), Pap smear (39.8%) and liquid-based cytology (7.6%).

Conclusion: We revealed a good knowledge of reality of CC, but effective information, education and communication strategies are needed to improve the level of awareness about risk factors, symptoms and preventive methods.