Knowledge, perception, and sources of information towards cervical cancer and utilization of papanicolaou (pap) smear as screening among female in medina, Saudi Arabia

Background and objectives: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth commonest among women in world. Screening using a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear can detect early cervical changes allows treatment with high rate of success. Awareness importance screening significant factor encouraging to have Pap testing. This study aimed investigate perceptions, knowledge, sources information regarding CC utilization smeared used for Medina, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: An e-questionnaire-based cross-sectional was conducted between December 2021 July 2022. The targeted population were all non-medical staff females childbearing age A total 444 included study. collected data analyzed descriptive statistical methods via Statistical Packages Social Sciences version 26. Result: Overall, participants had levels awareness (79.3%) (48.9%). However, only (23.6%) heard human papillomavirus (14.6%) smear. And (22.5%) recognized that any woman over 21 years old should be screened CC. media most frequently mentioned source (45.5%). Socio-demographic characteristics not significantly associated knowledge or its screening. When who never before asked about cause, half them (47.2%) answered they did think it, (32.2%) because symptoms, (20.1%) reported lack awareness. Conclusion: Despite level testing small percentage undergo Lack poor disease symptoms main barriers. emphasizes need conduct community-based programs raise role detection.