Assessment of the level of knowledge on cervical cancer prevention among women visiting a private gynecological practice in Krakow - a pilot study.

Background: In 2022, more than 650,000 new cases of cervical cancer and more than 340,000 deaths were registered worldwide. Poland has some of the highest incidence and mortality rates from cervical cancer in Europe, despite the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program implemented for many years. Nowadays, with more information available, women should not die from cervical cancer (CC). In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to raise women's awareness about prevention, and to educate them about health-promoting behaviours.

Objective: Assessing Knowledge of CC prevention in a pilot study conducted at a private gynecological clinic in Cracow.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 153 women aged 18 years and older visiting a private gynecological practice in Krakow, regardless of their place of residence. The study was conducted via the Internet, using a questionnaire consisting of a general part (socio-epidemiological data) and a specific part on knowledge of CC prevention (8questions). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica13.3software.

Results: The majority of women declared regular gynecological examinations, with 125 (81.7%) respondents visiting a gynecologist every 0.5-2 years. Only 10 (6.5%) female respondents answered all the knowledge survey questions correctly, excluding the question about RSM symptoms, which was correctly answered by only one person (0.6%). The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between respondents' age their knowledge of CC risk factors and the timing of the first cytological examination. The results indicate that older respondents have lower levels of knowledge on these topics. Women with higher education from large cities provided the most correct answers.

Conclusions: The surveyed women's knowledge of CC prevention is inadequate even in the group of women who report regularly for gynecological examinations. There is a need to continue educational activities on the principles of cytological examination, as well as the asymptomatic course of CC in its early stages. Although most women in the study group reported regular gynecological examinations, their knowledge about preventive screenings and CC is primarily acquired online. This suggests a need to intensify educational efforts within medical offices.