Jordanian women's attitudes towards cervical screening and cervical cancer
Maaita, M.; Barakat, M.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology the Journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 22(4): 421-422
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0144-3615 PMID: 12521469 DOI: 10.1080/01443610220141416Document Number: 250131
This paper looks at Jordanian women's attitudes towards cervical screening and cervical cancer. The sample consisted of 600 women attending gynaecology clinics at King Hussein Medical Centre in Amman, Jordan. Seventy-five percent of women had never had a smear before; however, the majority agreed that it is important; 34.5% of women did not know the significance of a positive cervical smear; 77% of women were not aware of causes of cervical cancer. Finally, when asked who would they like to take their cervical smear test, a clear preference was stated for a female doctor or a female nurse. These findings provide a useful background for developing strategies to increase the uptake of cervical smears among Jordanian women. It also emphasizes the need to educate and promote awareness of women to risk factors for cervical cancer and the need for screening programmes.