Cervical cytology screening: knowledge attitudes and behaviour of public health midwives in an urban district in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of PHMM on cervical cytology screening.

Method: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study. PHMM attached to the MOH division in Galle district were interviewed using a self-administered questionnaire on knowledge on cervical carcinoma screening their attitudes and screening behaviour.

Results: Out of a total of 314 PHMM attached to MOH division in Galle only 274 participated in the study. 90% had an above average knowledge on cervical cytology screening and 94% identified cervical cytology as a screening method for cervical carcinoma. Awareness on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and DNA testing was low (26%). Correct identification of the target group, recommended interval of screening and benefits of screening by the PHMM were 90%, 98% and 83% respectively, and 94% had a favourable attitude on their role and capacity in cervical cytology screening. PHMM who are over 35-year age group 36 % had not undergone cervical cytology screening. There was a significant increase of overall knowledge with higher levels of educational (r2= 0.025, p=0.004).

Conclusion: A vast majority of the PHMM had an above average overall knowledge and positive attitude towards cervical cytology screening and identified it as a screening method. Their awareness regarding HPV DNA as a screening tool for cervical carcinoma was not satisfactory. More than one third of PHMM had not undergone cervical cytology screening themselves.