Faculty Articles

Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Prevention Among Women

Publication Title

Journal of Community Health

Publisher

Springer New York LLC

ISSN

0094-5145

Publication Date

12-2013

Keywords

cervical cancer, cervical cancer knowledge, community health center, college women, human papillomavirus, hpv vaccination, hpv vaccine initiation, prevention practices, papanicolaou test, predictors of vaccination, quantitative study, reproductive health, women's health, health education, preventive interventions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess cervical cancer knowledge and prevention practices among college women and to determine predictors of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in this group. A quantitative approach using two varying groups of women was undertaken. College women and women visiting a local community health center were surveyed on items assessing cervical cancer knowledge and prevention practices. Altogether, 410 women were sampled, 217 college women and 193 from the local community health center. HPV vaccine initiation was higher among the college group (36%) compared to (5%) among the community health center group. Seventy three (73%) percent of women in the community group had a Papanicolaou test in the preceding 3 years compared to (61.8%) in the college group. College women reported higher cervical cancer knowledge than community women. This study highlights that cervical cancer knowledge and preventive practices are variable among women and that significant differences exist among college and community women. This calls for more strategic and accessible services incorporating group specific messages and interventions.

DOI

10.1007/s10900-013-9707-8

Volume

38

Issue

6

First Page

997

Last Page

1002

Disciplines

Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy

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Peer Reviewed

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