Table 3 Distribution of healthcare professionals' responses to cervical cancer information questions (n = 280)
Information statements | True | False | I don't know | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
n | % | n | % | n | % | |
1. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease | 175 | 62.5 | 64 | 22.9 | 41 | 14.6 |
2. Early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer are possible | 238 | 85 | 13 | 4.6 | 29 | 10.4 |
3. Every woman has equal risk of developing cervical cancer | 108 | 3.6 | 118 | 42.1 | 54 | 19.3 |
4. Pap smear/HPV test is done for screening purposes | 184 | 65.7 | 22 | 7.9 | 74 | 26.4 |
5. Every sexually active woman should have the Pap smear test done | 160 | 57.1 | 50 | 17.9 | 70 | 25 |
6. Bleeding between menstrual cycles is an early sign of cervical cancer | 123 | 43.9 | 73 | 26.1 | 84 | 30 |
7. Sexual experience at an early age (16 years and under) is a risk factor for cervical cancer | 111 | 39.6 | 98 | 35 | 71 | 25.4 |
8. Smoking is one of the risk factors for cervical cancer | 173 | 61.8 | 45 | 16.1 | 62 | 22.1 |
9. Polygamous sex life is a risk factor for cervical cancer | 142 | 50.7 | 46 | 16.4 | 92 | 32.9 |
10. Having a family history of cancer does not increase the risk of cervical cancer | 81 | 28.9 | 150 | 53.6 | 49 | 17.5 |
11. There is no protective vaccine against HPV (human papillomavirus) | 88 | 31.4 | 112 | 40 | 80 | 28.6 |
12. Diagnosis of cervical cancer is made by Pap smear test | 176 | 62.9 | 38 | 13.6 | 66 | 23.5 |
13. Pregnancy and delivery at an early age (under 18 years of age) are risk factors for cervical cancer | 93 | 33.2 | 108 | 38.6 | 79 | 28.2 |
14. Sexually transmitted diseases are risk factors for cervical cancer | 188 | 67.1 | 45 | 16.1 | 47 | 16.8 |
15. Pap smear/HPV test should be done only when there is a gynecological (gynecological) complaint | 125 | 44.7 | 86 | 30.7 | 69 | 24.6 |
16. Increased vaginal discharge and color changes are early signs of cervical cancer | 111 | 39.6 | 98 | 35 | 71 | 25.4 |
17. Bleeding and pain after sexual intercourse are not early signs of cervical cancer | 90 | 32.1 | 111 | 39.6 | 79 | 28.3 |
18. The high number of births (3 or more) is a risk factor for cervical cancer | 76 | 27.2 | 137 | 48.9 | 67 | 23.9 |
19. To prevent cervical cancer, it is necessary to regularly have a Pap smear/HPV test | 149 | 53.3 | 69 | 24.6 | 62 | 22.1 |
20. Postmenopausal (post-menopausal) bleeding is one of the early symptoms of cervical cancer | 166 | 59.3 | 43 | 15.4 | 71 | 25.3 |
21. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus | 179 | 63.9 | 38 | 13.6 | 63 | 22.5 |
22. Cervical cancer and pre-cancerous cells are not associated with HPV | 65 | 23.3 | 125 | 44.6 | 90 | 32.1 |
23. HPV causes genital warts | 159 | 56.8 | 44 | 15.7 | 77 | 27.5 |
24. HPV infection is a risk factor for cervical cancer | 163 | 58.2 | 28 | 10 | 89 | 31.8 |
25. Oral contraceptives (birth control pill) used for more than five years is not a risk factor for cervical cancer | 89 | 31.8 | 105 | 37.5 | 86 | 30.7 |
26. Pap smear test can be done every five years if it is done together with HPV screening | 119 | 42.5 | 37 | 13.2 | 124 | 44.3 |