knowledge, practices, and attitudes in the prevention of cervical cancer in primary health care

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer represents a major public health problem and one of the leading causes of mortality among women, especially in developing countries. It originates from the persistence of high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which cause cellular alterations in the cervical epithelium. Objective: Analyze the level of knowledge, practices, and attitudes regarding cervical cancer prevention among women treated at a type B health center (Ecuadorian public health classification) in the province of El Oro, to identify informational gaps and promote effective educational strategies. Materials and methods: This was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The population consisted of 3,800 women aged 15 to 60; a sample of 350 participants was selected from this population, calculated with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The reliability of the instrument used in the study was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, applied in the IBM SPSS program, yielding a value of 0.74. Results: Ninety percent of respondents knew the definition of the Pap smear test, 73.7% understood its usefulness for cancer detection, and 67.7% knew it should be performed annually. However, 52.9% had not received the HPV vaccine, and 92% had not undergone the screening test. Conclusion: Although there is an acceptable level of knowledge, deficiencies persist in preventive practices and vaccination. The role of nursing is essential in education, promotion, and prevention to strengthen self-care and reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer.