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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Mon Mon Yee
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KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF PAP SMEAR AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN KUDAT DISTRICT, SABAH, MALAYSIA AUTHOR’S NAME -MON MON YEEAFFILIATIONS- SOE AUNG, THAN MYINT, SWE, WIN WIN MIN INTRODUCTION-Cervical cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death among women in Malaysia. Cervical cancer screening by using Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is one of the most effective screening methods and it has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer. Pap smear program coverage in Malaysia remains poor and prevalence of cervical cancer remains high. We therefore explored knowledge and practice of Pap smear.OBJECTIVESThe purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of Pap smear and to provide useful information on awareness of it and to reduce incidence of cervical cancer in Malaysian women.METHODOLOGYThe study is a descriptive cross sectional study. It was conducted among rural women in Kudat district Sabah. A total of 220 married women aged 20-65 years were chosen randomly and interviewed by using self-administered Questionnaires in2012-2013. Written informed consent was taken before interview.RESULTSEighty five percent of the women interviewed have heard about Pap smear, 50.5% have done Pap smear and 57.2% have good knowledge. Women’s age and knowledge of Pap smear were significantly associated p<0.005, Chi square=19.112.Women’s educational level was also significantly associated with knowledge upon Pap smear of studied women P<0.001, Chi2=75.4910. The main barriers were shame (18.2%) and pain (16.4%).CONCLUSIONResults demonstrated that knowledge and women’s beliefs are influential on the habit of having regular Pap smear testing. A well-designed health education program on cervical cancer, barrier specific counseling, and community based interventions would increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening in Malaysian women.
Author(s): Yee M, Aung S, Myint T, Swe S, Min W
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: 12th International Borneo Research Council Conference
Year of Conference: 2014
Print publication date: 09/08/2014
Acceptance date: 08/05/2014
Publisher: Kadazandusun Chair and School of Social Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
