Knowledge, attitudes and practice on human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervix cancer in women who were 30 years old or more, from a riverside neighborhood of Asuncion, (Bañado Sur). 2012

Abstract

Introduction: Cervix cancer is a public health problem in Paraguay. Objective: To determine knowledge, attitudes and practices on human papilloma virus (HPV) and uterine cervix cancer in women from 12 Family Health Units (FHU) of the Bañado Sur- Asunción, April-October 2,012 period. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study that used self-administered structured questionnaires. Results: The mean age was 42 years, most of them cohabitated or were married (70%); 65% had elementary and secondary education and 56% was housewife; 83% had medical insurance and 78% heard about uterine cervix cancer, 74% of them in health posts. Only 10% knew HPV and related it to a disease, 90% heard about Papanicolaou test, but only 27% knew what is, 90% showed favorable attitude and 56% favorable practices in relation to the disease prevention. Conclusion: The study provided information on the perception that a population of women from a marginal zone of the capital have in relation to cervical cancer and its main risk factor. This will allow increasing the supply of prevention services for this type of cancer, along with promoting inter-institutional and inter-sectorial work on the prevention and control of this disease in the country.