Predictors of cervical cancer knowledge and attitude among Saudi women in Najran city: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study explores the predictors of cervical cancer (CC) knowledge and attitude among Saudi women in Najran city. A descriptive cross-sectional  study was conducted in Najran/ KSA to recruit 1085 participants from June to September 2021. An online selfreported questionnaire was used for  data collection; it consisted of basic data and health history, a CC knowledge quiz, and a CC attitude scale. Data analysis was performed using the  Statistical IBM software, version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA)'. The findings revealed that more than half of the participants (57.7%) had  insufficient knowledge regarding CC. At the same time, 59.4% of them had a positive attitude toward CC screening. According to binary logistic  regression analysis, University-educated participants had increased odds of sufficient knowledge (OR: 1.774, 95%CI1.101-2.856) and positive attitude  (OR: 4.246, 95%CI 1.545-11.669) about CC compared to the participant with secondary education. Moreover, participants with no family  history of CC were less likely to have sufficient knowledge (OR: 0.554, 95%CI 0.102-2.745) and positive attitude (OR: 0.867, 95%CI 0.776 - 0.968) about  CC compared to participants with positive family history. Also, sufficient knowledge was statistically associated with a positive attitude (OR:  1.754, 95%CI 1.112-2.849). Among all basic variables, participants' educational qualifications and positive family history of CC are significant socio-  demographic predictors of CC knowledge and attitude. Specific educational interventions to enhance women's knowledge and attitude toward CC  screening should be developed and implemented in the community without delay, particularly for less-educated women.