Patient knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening after the 2012 screening guidelines

Abstract

Objective To assess women’s attitudes and preferences related to recent changes in cervical cancer screening guidelines.

Methods We distributed 380 surveys in three University based and Community clinics. Study participants anonymously completed surveys, which included questions related to demographics, cervical cancer, screening practices, risk perception and attitudes towards changing practices.

Results 315 women agreed to participate (83%). 60% (185/310) of participants had some college education or higher and 12% (36/305) worked in the medical field. On average, participants answered 4.1 (SD = 1.3) of the 8 knowledge questions correctly. Knowledge scores significantly increased with education level (Kruskal-Wallis test p-value < 0.001). The majority (72%, n = 228) reported that they should be screened annually, and that screening should be initiated with the onset of sexual activity (63%, n = 197). Participants that were more knowledgeable of current screening practices were more comfortable extending screening intervals (Kruskal-Wallis test p < 0.001).

Conclusion Even among a relatively highly educated population of women, participants had limited knowledge of cervical cancer and current screening guidelines. Many participants reported discomfort with less frequent screening intervals.

Practice implications This study supports the need for improvement in cervical cancer prevention education especially with regards to the new screening guidelines.