2022-RA-926-ESGO Awareness, attitudes and practices of women in relation to cervical cancer screening in mainland China

• Published in: International journal of gynecological cancer Vol. 32; no. Suppl 2; pp. A33 - A34
• Main Authors: Wang, Sumeng, Qiao, Youlin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 20.10.2022; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Attitudes; Cervical cancer; Knowledge; Medical screening; Prevention; China
• ISSN: 1048-891X; 1525-1438
• DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2022-ESGO.71

Introduction/BackgroundAccording to the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO), screening still remains the main strategy to eradicate cervical cancer, especially when the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is not yet widely available in mainland China. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward cervical cancer screening among women in mainland China with the aim of informing prevention and control interventions.MethodologyWe conducted a cross-sectional online survey in a random sample of women aged 30 years and above between 5 March to 7 April 2022 in seven geographical regions of China. The survey was composed of sociodemographic information, knowledge of the disease and its prevention, attitudes, and screening practice. Women’s knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention were assessed and scored. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore determinants associated with screening practice.ResultsA total of 3782 women (41.3±9.3 y) were included in the final analysis. The median knowledge score of cervical cancer and its prevention was 14.8 out of 22. More than one-third of women had never been screened, although 96.8% of them expressed a positive attitude towards screening. Nearly 40% of the women attended the opportunistic screening. Age, marital status, the industry of employment, household income, and knowledge of cervical cancer could influence screening practice. In addition, younger women, medical workers or government workers, and women with higher knowledge scores are more likely to attend the opportunistic screening.ConclusionOverall, the knowledge level of cervical cancer and its prevention among women was found to be poor. Meanwhile, the screening practice was not high though women have strong intentions to screen. The main obstacles to screening were poverty and insufficient knowledge. Our findings may provide guidance on future education and training to help accelerate the prevention and control of cervical cancer in China.