Knowledge on cervical cancer, attitude toward its screening, and associated factors among reproductive age women in Metu Town, Ilu Aba Bor, South West Ethiopia, 2018: community‐based cross‐sectional study

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Lack of awareness and unavailability of screening services are the major factors that contribute to the problem of cervical cancer in Ethiopia. The community‐based study conducted regarding the knowledge and attitude toward cervical cancer among women of reproductive age group is not enough to indicate the problem. AIM: To assess the knowledge on cervical cancer, attitude toward its screening, and associated factors among women of reproductive age. METHODS: A community‐based cross‐sectional study with a mixed approach method was conducted from April to May 2018. The sample size calculated for this study was 420. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the association between the covariate and the dependent variable. RESULT: Of all participants, 31% have good knowledge of cervical cancer, and 57.8% have a positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening. In a multivariable analysis, educational status, occupation, visiting health facilities, and parity were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude toward cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION: This study suggests increasing women's awareness, health education on cervical cancer in the community, and health institutions should be strengthened. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Female health workers were involved in the data collection process. Educated women and women who are community health leaders were involved as Interviewees for the qualitative part of the study. However, they have no direct contributions to authorship.