Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Female Employees of Health Network in Guilan-Gharb County about Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear

  Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer can be recognized in pre-malignancy phase using Pap smear test. Health services employees can play an important role in educating women to participate in regular screening program. The purpose of this study was to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of female employees of health network in Guilan-Gharb about Pap smear and cervical cancer in 2011.   Material and Methods: In this study, 70 women were recruited. Data were gathered using a four-part questionnaire. Data were analyzed using central indexes, one way ANOVA test, and Pearson correlation coefficient.   Results: Participants had moderate knowledge (66.2% of the total score). There was a significant relationship between the knowledge with education, job, duration of marriage, and number of pregnancy. Participants had optimum attitude (68.97% of the total score). There was a significant relationship between the attitude with education, job, and the number of pregnancy. In total, 65.7% of the participants had once undergone a Pap smear test.   Conclusion : Health employees have important role in educating and encouraging women to do Pap smear test so, it is essential to promote their own knowledge, attitude, and practice on the Pap screening test.