KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING CERVICAL CANCER AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN WAH CANT, TAXILA, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a largely preventable malignancy, primarily associated with persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite the availability of HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and effective treatment of precancerous lesions, inadequate awareness and limited uptake of preventive services remain important public health concerns in Pakistan. Local evidence regarding knowledge and attitudes among women of reproductive age in Wah Cantt/Taxila is limited.

Objective: To assess knowledge and attitudes regarding cervical cancer and its prevention among women of reproductive age in Wah Cantt, Taxila, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan, and to determine their associations with selected sociodemographic characteristics.

Methodology: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 women aged 15–49 years residing in selected residential areas of Wah Cantt/Taxila from October 2025 to May 2026. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge regarding cervical cancer, HPV, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, vaccination, and screening, and attitudes toward cervical cancer prevention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and Pearson’s chi-square test was used to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and attitudes. A two-tailed p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 350 participants, 65.1% had heard of cervical cancer, but only 18.6% identified HPV as a causative agent, and 21.4% had heard of the Pap smear test. Only 40.3% reported knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors, and 20.0% reported knowledge of common symptoms. Most participants considered cervical cancer preventable (78.0%) and recognized early detection as beneficial for treatment outcomes (91.1%); however, only 49.4% recognized that screening could detect cervical cancer before symptoms appeared. Educational level and household income were significantly associated with knowledge (p < .001 for both). Attitudes toward cervical cancer prevention were significantly associated with age (p = .012), residence (p = .002), marital status (p = .009), education (p < .001), occupation (p = .004), and household income (p < .001).

Conclusion: Women of reproductive age in Wah Cantt/Taxila demonstrated reasonable general awareness of cervical cancer but substantial gaps in specific knowledge regarding HPV, symptoms, and cervical cancer screening. Higher education and household income were associated with better knowledge, while all examined sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with attitudes toward prevention. Targeted community-based health education, particularly among less-educated and lower-income women, is needed to improve cervical cancer literacy and awareness of HPV vaccination and screening.