Factors Influencing Pap Smear Practice Among Primary School Teachers In Diyala City, Iraq
- Author:
Oras Zaki Saadoon
;
Rahmah Mohd Amin
;
Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Pap smear;
practice;
teacher;
Diyala;
Iraq
- MeSH:
Papanicolaou Test
- From:Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine
2014;14(1):19-28
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Cervical cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women in Iraq. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing Pap smear practice among married primary school teachers in Diyala City, Iraq. A total of 222 teachers (aged 20 years to 63 years) residing in Diyala City were enrolled in a cross sectional study from 1st August till 30th September 2012. The sampling method was a self-administered survey using a multistage sampling technique. The prevalence of Pap smear practice was very low (12.6%). Relatives and friends were the main source of information about the Pap smear test for more than one third (41.9%) of the respondents. However, the medical doctor’s advice was the most important reason for undergoing a Pap smear test in more than two third (60.7%) of respondents. Only 32.4% of the teachers have good knowledge about cervical cancer and Pap smear test, but 76.1% of them showed a positive attitude toward learning about cervical cancer and Pap smear. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis results only the husband’s encouragement (p= 0.003, prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 0.256, 95%CI 0.10-0.63) was significantly associated with Pap smear practice. A more effective educational program is needed to educate Iraqi women about cervical cancer and screening tests, including Pap smear.
- Full text:P020150611636214348335.pdf
