FREQUENCY OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE ABOUT PAP SMEAR AS A SCREENING PROCEDURE AMONG FEMALES ATTENDING GYNECOLOGY OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT AT BILAWAL MEDICAL COLLEGE (CDF HOSPITAL), HYDERABAD

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding Pap smear as a screening tool among women attending the gynecology outpatient department at Bilawal Medical College (CDF Hospital), Hyderabad.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 women aged 20 to 45 years who visited the outpatient clinic for prenatal care, postnatal care, or family planning. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge (14-item scale), and attitude (11-item scale) towards Pap smear. Knowledge and attitude scores were categorized using modified Bloom's cut-off criteria. Associations between variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Only 37.6% of participants demonstrated good knowledge (scores 10-14), while 62.4% had poor knowledge. Positive attitude (scores 9-11) was observed in 43.4% of women. Urban residence, higher education, employment, and higher income were significantly associated with both good knowledge and positive attitude (p ≤ 0.05). A strong correlation was noted between good knowledge and positive attitude (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion: The study reveals inadequate awareness and suboptimal attitudes toward Pap smear screening among women, even those actively engaging with healthcare services. Targeted educational interventions and routine counseling during outpatient visits are urgently needed to improve cervical cancer prevention in this population.