A Large Cross-Sectional Survey Investigating the Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Risk Aetiology and the Predictors of the Adherence to Cervical Cancer Screening Related to Mass Media Campaign

OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to compare the characteristics of women who got a Pap-test during the mass media campaign, carried out in an Italian region by broadcasts advertising, and two years later and to identify the determinants of knowledge of cervical cancer etiology and of the adherence to the mass media campaign. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was carried out through a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 8570 randomly selected women were surveyed, 823 of these had a Pap-test during the mass media campaign period and 7747 two years later. Higher educational level, being not married, and living in urban areas were the main independent characteristics associated with a higher level of knowledge of cervical cancer etiology, although a previous treatment following a Pap smear abnormality was the strongest predictor (OR=2.88; 95% CI: 2.43-3.41). During the campaign period women had the Pap-test more frequently as a consequence of the mass media campaign (OR=8.28; 95% CI; 5.51-12.45). CONCLUSIONS Mass media campaign is a useful tool to foster cervical screening compliance; however, its short-term effect suggests repeating it regularly.