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Analysis Study Research Paper | Medical Science | Iraq | Volume 14 Issue 4, April 2025 | Popularity: 4.3 / 10
Determinants of PAP Smear Testing among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers. A study in Hilla City / Babil Governorate / Iraq 2015
Dr. Sawsan Hussein Hashim, Dr. Ali Hussein Imran
Abstract: This cross-sectional study assessed determinants of Pap smear uptake among 385 women aged 20?64 attending primary health centers in Hilla City, Iraq. Despite 86% awareness of cervical cancer, only 52% knew about Pap smears, with just 6% having ever undergone screening. Key barriers included fear (72.2%), embarrassment (70%), lack of provider recommendations (30.1%), and misconceptions (e.g., "no symptoms, no need"). Higher education and income correlated with better knowledge, while married and employed women had more positive attitudes. Most (97.4%) preferred female providers. Findings highlight critical gaps in knowledge, cultural barriers, and systemic weaknesses in healthcare promotion. Targeted education, provider engagement, and gender-sensitive services are urgently needed to improve screening rates in Iraq.
Keywords: cervical cancer, Pap smear, screening barriers, women's health, Iraq
Edition: Volume 14 Issue 4, April 2025
Pages: 1045 - 1050
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR25412185110
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