Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Uptake of Screening Test Among Women in the Region of Marrakesh, Morocco

Abstract

In Morocco, cervical cancer is the leading cause of women's cancer mortality because of the late stage diagnosis. The adherence to early screening remains insufficient. The aim of this study is to assess women's knowledge of cervical cancer and their adherence to early screening. The study was conducted in five selected primary healthcare facilities in the region of Marrakesh, Morocco, and included 300 participants. Structured interviews were used to elicit information on demographic and reproductive life characteristics, knowledge, and uptake of screening test of cervical cancer (CC). Data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics, univariate analysis was carried out using χ 2 test to compare percentages about symptoms, and risk factors for cervical cancer were poor among the participants. The human papillomavirus infection was ignored by almost 70% of women. Almost half of women never had a screening test. The urban origin, the uptake of the screening test, and the family antecedent of CC were factors that increase women's knowledge about CC. The non-adherence to early screening is due to lack of knowledge, fear of the test result, or false beliefs. More efforts are needed to raise awareness among women by health staff to overcome negative perceptions and knowledge deficiencies about CC and to increase women's adherence to screening.