Cervical cancer: what do girls know?

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and sources of information of young girls on cervical cancer. Type of study: Cross-sectional study Location: Paço de Arcos’ high school and middle school. Population: Female students aged 15 years and over attending public schools in Paço de Arcos, Portugal in the academic year 2010-2011. Methods: Data were obtained in an anonymous questionnaire. Variables studied included age, school year, and knowledge of cervical cancer (including etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors and prevention). Results: The sample included 370 students, with a mean age of 16,8 years and 10 years of schooling. Communications media were the main source of information (69.7%). The vaccine was considered 100% effective by 18,9% of students. The main risk factor identified was “unprotected sex”. The main form of prevention identified was the vaccine against Human Papilloma Virus. Students identified only one third of the risk factors and half of the means prevention. There was no relationship between age, school year, or visiting the health center in the last year and knowledge of cervical cancer. Conclusions: Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The level of knowledge found in this study sample was higher than that found in other studies. This study identifies gaps in knowledge that can be a target for health promotion programs. The media and health care professionals can share responsibility in educating the public about cervical cancer.