Cervical Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Reproductive-Age Women in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet awareness gaps limit prevention in low- and middle-income countries. We assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward cervical cancer among women of reproductive age attending a hospital in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, and their associations with socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study (STROBE) was conducted from July 2025 to June 2026 in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient department of Kishoreganj Sadar Hospital. Women aged 15–49 years (N = 382) were recruited consecutively and interviewed with a pretested questionnaire. Good knowledge (score ≥5/7), positive attitude (≥12/20) and good practice (≥3/4) were defined a priori. Associations used chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests; correlations used Spearman and Pearson coefficients. Results: Although 74.3% had heard of cervical cancer, 19.4% knew that HPV causes it and 34.6% knew of VIA screening; 13.6% (95% CI 10.5–17.4) had good knowledge. Positive attitude was found in 62.2% (237/381) and good practice in 27.5%. Only 35.3% had ever been screened and 8.1% had received an HPV vaccine, while 90.8% were willing to be screened. No socio-demographic factor was associated with knowledge or practice; attitude differed by number of children (p = 0.045), which would not survive multiplicity correction. Good knowledge was associated with positive attitude (75.0% vs 60.2%; p = 0.041). Score correlations were weak (Spearman ρ = 0.10–0.14). Conclusion: Knowledge of cervical cancer causes and prevention was poor, and screening and vaccination uptake were low, despite high willingness to be screened. HPV-focused education and accessible, privacy-sensitive screening are needededucation, counselling and accessible screening services should be strengthened.
Institutions: Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Netrokona Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7225057210