Client knowledge, attitudes and practices to cervical screening in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, South Africa

Background: Cervical cancer is a common cause of death among women in developing countries, including South Africa. In 2000, the South African National Department of Health introduced the national cervical cancer screening policy, which states that every woman is entitled to three free Papanicolaou (Pap) smears in her lifetime, at 1 0-year intervals starting at the age of 30 years. A number of studies have indicated that the uptake of cervical cancer screening is dependent on the targeted population's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to health-seeking behaviours. The aim of the study is to determine the baseline KAP to Pap smears and cervical cancer of women aged 25 years and older in Mitchell's Plain, Western Cape Province. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among clients attending primary health care facilities in the Mitchell's Plain district, Cape Town, Western Cape Province. The study population consisted of women aged 25 years and older who presented at the public health care facilities in Mitchell's Plain between 1 April and 31 July 2002 and who consented to participate in the study. The data were analysed using the STAT A version 8 statistical package. Results: A total of 445 women were interviewed, most of whom were above the age of 30 years (72%), married (68%) and unemployed (68%). Ninety-five per cent said they had heard of a Pap smear; however, when asked what part of the body was examined during a Pap smear, only 4% correctly answered. Only 13% of the women knew that a Pap smear was a test for cancer of the cervix, although 52% recognised it as a test for cancer. Of the women interviewed, 73% had heard of cancer of the cervix. A total of 78% of women had had a Pap smear. The results indicated no significant association between ever hearing of a pap smear and the following predictors: age, educational level, marital status, pregnancy and the use of contraception. Women who were significantly more likely to have had a Pap smear included: older women, those who were in a ...