WOMEN’S KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER AND THEIR PAP SMEAR TEST PARTICIPATION IN ALGERIA

Background: Cancer of cervix uteri is the second most common cancer among women in Algeria, this cancer is one of the fewest diseases that can be prevented by early screening with Pap smear. Various international studies have identified the lack of awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer as barriers to use preventive methods.

Objective: The aim of this study was to reflect the state of women's knowledge of cervical cancer and practice of Pap smear as a screening procedure among West Algerian women. To our knowledge, no data are currently available regarding awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer and Pap smear screening among Algerian women.

Methods: We surveyed 849 women aged 25 years and above, they were recruited from different town locations (Bechar, Naama, Sidi Bel Abbes, Tlemcen) to examine their knowledge about cervical cancer and pap smear test with a questionnaire that is consisted of 3 parts. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS, Inc.Chicago IL).

Results: The knowledge of cervical cancer was high, of all the women interviewed, 73.96% had heard about this gynecological disease and (437/849) 51.47% known that this cancer can be detected, to our surprise only 24.86% had done cervical cancer screening at least once in their lives. The most common reason for not undergoing Pap smear testing was lack of knowledge (41.54%, 265/638) followed by neglect (35.42%, 226/638).

Conclusion: Although general knowledge about cervical cancer and it’s screening programm launched by the ministry, women pap smear test practice is still very low. There is therefore need for more information and education campaigns.