Knowledge and attitude of cervical cancer screening among women in hail- kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Cervical cancer is the commonest cancer that causes death among women in developing countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is responsible for more than 90% of the cases of invasive cervical cancer worldwide. The incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer have a significant drop by roughly 70-80% in developed countries as a result of intensive cervical screening programs. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude to cervical cancer screens (Pap smear) andHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among women living in Hail City-Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved the distribution of 501 questionnaires randomly among women 20 years and above throughout the general population of Hail, Saudi Arabia from October 2017 to January 2018. Data entry and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The knowledge of all respondents about cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) as a screening test for cervical cancer was low, only 167 women (33.3%) know about cervical cancer screening. Among those 40.1% (n=67) known about Pap smear from the internet and TV. Whereas about 430(85.8%) don’t know if HPV is related to causing cervical cancer or not. The number of women did cervical screening only 90 (18%).The main reason for not having a Pap smear was the lack of awareness. Conclusion: The knowledge about cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccine is low; there is a need for education programs to improve awareness of cervical cancer screening in this population.