NURSING AWARENESS LEVEL OF CERVICAL CANCER AND SCREENING PRACTICES AT THE TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Pakistan, primarily linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Early detection through Papanicolau (Pap) smear screening can identify precancerous lesions, and nurses, as the largest group of healthcare workers, play a critical role in promoting cervical cancer screening. The objective of this study was to assess nurses' awareness of cervical cancer and their personal screening practices at a hospital in Pakistan. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires distributed to 137 nurses at the Nishter Hospital, Multan and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.The results showed that less than half of the nurses had adequate knowledge about cervical cancer. A significant association was found between the knowledge levels regarding the causes of cervical cancer and HPV transmission, with younger nurses demonstrating more adequate knowledge (p = 0.027). Knowledge also varied significantly between different nurse cadres, with registered nurses displaying greater awareness compared to enrolled nurses (p = 0.006). Most nurses were unaware of appropriate screening intervals, and only a few were informed about the HPV vaccine. Alarmingly, 84.6% of the nurses had never undergone a Pap smear examination themselves. These findings highlight the need for continuous medical education programs and the establishment of cervical cancer prevention policies and strategies within the health sector at all levels.