Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Concerning Cervical Cancer Among Women of Early Reproductive Age in...

Cervical cancer is a significant global health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Bangladesh. Despite its impact on the health of Bangladeshi women of reproductive age, research on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to cervical cancer, particularly among women in early reproductive age, is notably lacking. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the KAP related to cervical cancer among young women in Bangladesh.

A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in September and October 2023, with 627 female participants (mean age: 21.65 ± 1.49 years). A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to include informed consent, socio-demographic data, and an 11-item section on cervical cancer KAP. Analysis utilized Stata (Version 15.0) and SPSS (Version 26.0).

Average scores KAP were 5.40 ± 3.59, 27.10 ± 3.00, and 20.80 ± 5.99, respectively. Higher scores were associated with various socio-demographic factors, including age, employment status, presence of cooperative family members, social media usage duration, body mass index (BMI), and more. The study revealed associations between higher education, employment, younger age, lower BMI, increased social media use, and higher knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer.

The study underscores critical gaps in cervical cancer-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among young women in Bangladesh, influenced by factors such as education, employment, BMI, and social media use. These findings emphasize the urgent need for tailored, youth-focused awareness programs and socio-behavioral interventions to improve cervical cancer prevention and control efforts in similar LMICs settings.