Cervical cancer screening behavior of reproductive women in Rajavithi Hospital

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of a public health problem and is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer in women worldwide. Cells change in women's cervix was a cause of Cervical cancer. In early stage, no signs or symptoms but it can be detected with pelvic examination for decrease severity of disease. This study aimed to determine cervical cancer screening and factors associated with cervical cancer screening in reproductive women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed among 620 healthcare worker women in Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok Thailand. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with screening. RESULTS: Of the 598 (96.5%) questionnaires were returned; the mean age was 35.79±11.36 years, Body Mass Index (BMI) was 22.99±4.74 kg/m2, and most were single 64.5%. Most of participants were multidisciplinary personnel 45.0%. Cervical cancer knowledge was at high level (74.4%) while the attitude regarding cervical cancer screening was at a moderate level. The prevalence of cervical cancer screening was 37.5%; the three most reasons for not being screened was the absence of symptoms was (83.2%), followed by single status (24.6%) and no time for screening (19.0%). Factors associated with the screening included age (aOR=1.11, 95%CI 1.08-1.14, p < 0.001), marital status (aOR=2.74, 95%CI 1.55-4.86, p = 0.001), contraception use (aOR=4.27, 95%CI 2.42-7.53, p < 0.001), gynaecological disease history (aOR=2.93, 95%CI 1.58-5.62, p = 0.001), and sexual relation (aOR=1.83, 95%CI 1.01-3.32, p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cervical cancer screening was low. Demographic and gynaecological factors were involved. The organization should have a yearly campaign to increase cervical cancer screening behavior to prevent severity of the disease. KEY MESSAGES: • Cervical cancer is one of a public health problem in women worldwide, therefore cervical cancer screening is one of a significant prevention method to decrease severity of disease. • Most healthcare workers have a good knowledge about severity of cervical cancer, while the prevalence of screening was low.