Women’s Knowledge of Cervical Cancer: A cross-sectional study in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention among Omani women aged 20–65 years. METHODS: This cross-sectional study took place across eight primary healthcare institutions in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman, between November 2018 and February 2019. It was carried out on the basis of a predesigned, validated and self-administered questionnaire containing 55 questions. RESULTS: Data from 791 completed questionnaires were included in the final analysis, which represents a response rate of 79.1%. The results indicated that 86.7% of surveyed women had previously heard of cervical cancer and 13.0% expected this disease to affect them in the future. The results also showed that women were less aware of the association between the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer (24.7%). The participants considered the HPV infection and initiation of sexual intercourse below 17 years of age as the lowest risks associated with cervical cancer. Moreover, 63.8% of the participants were unaware of the availability of a vaccination ‘against HPV-related cervical cancer’ and many respondents were unaware of a Pap test. Those women aged over 30 years, married and with a high level of education were more likely to be aware of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: Generally, there was inadequate knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among women aged 20–65 years. Young women aged 20–30 years showed relatively lesser knowledge of cervical cancer as compared to their older counterparts. Thus, concerted efforts are needed to promote such awareness among women in Oman.