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Assessing Physicians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management in Lahore, Pakistan

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer is a major public health concern in Pakistan, where physicians play an important role in prevention, screening, counseling, and early detection. This study assessed physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices regarding cervical cancer. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design and included 408 physicians selected through snowball sampling techniques. A well-designed questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used for data collection. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, Dunn’s tests, Bonferroni adjustment and binary logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 25. Results: Among the 408 physicians, most were young (18–33 years), with an MBBS qualification and 1–5 years of experience. Knowledge scores were highest among those aged 26–33 (p < 0.001), those with MBBS and FCPS qualifications (p = 0.004) and hospital-based healthcare workers (p < 0.001). Attitudes were generally positive, with 41.7% agreeing that cervical cancer is highly prevalent and 33.6% prioritizing early detection. Overall, 56.9% of physicians were classified as having good practices. Practices were influenced by education (p < 0.001) and healthcare setting (p < 0.01) in the adjusted analysis. Barriers identified included limited resources (77.2%), cultural factors (72.3%), and patient awareness (80.4%). Conclusions: Physicians demonstrated generally favorable cervical cancer-related knowledge and several preventive practices, but important differences existed across professional and healthcare-setting characteristics. Targeted continuing education, standardized preventive protocols, and improved patient awareness are needed to strengthen consistent cervical cancer prevention and screening practices in Pakistan.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14213613