HEALTHCARE WORKERS' KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AND ATTITUDES TOWARD CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
Author(s)
Ágnes Kajtár, BSc1, Tímea Csákvári, PhD2, József Betlehem, PhD3, Ilona Karácsony, PhD4, Kitti Máté-Póhr, BSc, MSc5, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD6, Diána Elmer, BSc, MSc, PhD7, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD3.
1University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 2lecturer, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 4Institute of Nursing Sciences, Basic Health Sciences and Health Visiting, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 5Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 6Institute of Health Insurance, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 7Institute of Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
1University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 2lecturer, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 4Institute of Nursing Sciences, Basic Health Sciences and Health Visiting, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 5Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 6Institute of Health Insurance, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 7Institute of Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and participation habits of women working in healthcare regarding cervical cancer screening, as well as the motivational and inhibiting factors influencing participation in screening.
METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2025 and January 2026. During non-random convenience sampling, the target group consisted of female healthcare professionals aged 25-65 years working in emergency care or ambulance services (nurses, paramedics, physicians) (N=100). Individuals working in other positions, those diagnosed with cervical cancer, and those undergoing treatment for gynecological diseases were excluded. Data collection was carried out using a self-developed questionnaire, which assessed demographic data in addition to knowledge and attitudes related to HPV and cervical cancer screening. Data processing was performed using Microsoft Excel software. In addition to descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, chi-square test, and ANOVA were applied (p<0.05).
RESULTS: A total of 99% of respondents had previously participated in cervical cancer screening, and 81% attended screening examinations annually. Based on the results of the cervical cancer screening knowledge test, 91% of participants belonged to the high knowledge level category (mean = 10.76 ± 1.91 points). Physicians had a significantly higher level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening compared to nurses, while no significant difference was found between paramedics and physicians (p<0.001). Among healthcare workers, attitudes toward cervical cancer screening showed significant differences, with physicians demonstrating more favorable attitudes compared to nurses (p=0.011).
CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare workers show favorable participation rates and knowledge levels regarding cervical cancer screening; however, differences between professional groups justify targeted education, as their knowledge and attitudes may also influence the screening behavior of the general population.
METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2025 and January 2026. During non-random convenience sampling, the target group consisted of female healthcare professionals aged 25-65 years working in emergency care or ambulance services (nurses, paramedics, physicians) (N=100). Individuals working in other positions, those diagnosed with cervical cancer, and those undergoing treatment for gynecological diseases were excluded. Data collection was carried out using a self-developed questionnaire, which assessed demographic data in addition to knowledge and attitudes related to HPV and cervical cancer screening. Data processing was performed using Microsoft Excel software. In addition to descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, chi-square test, and ANOVA were applied (p<0.05).
RESULTS: A total of 99% of respondents had previously participated in cervical cancer screening, and 81% attended screening examinations annually. Based on the results of the cervical cancer screening knowledge test, 91% of participants belonged to the high knowledge level category (mean = 10.76 ± 1.91 points). Physicians had a significantly higher level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening compared to nurses, while no significant difference was found between paramedics and physicians (p<0.001). Among healthcare workers, attitudes toward cervical cancer screening showed significant differences, with physicians demonstrating more favorable attitudes compared to nurses (p=0.011).
CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare workers show favorable participation rates and knowledge levels regarding cervical cancer screening; however, differences between professional groups justify targeted education, as their knowledge and attitudes may also influence the screening behavior of the general population.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
EPH90
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Reproductive & Sexual Health