Level of Knowledge and Adherence to Screening for Cervical Cancer in Portuguese Women

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Adherence to screening allows early identification. The objective of this study was to analyze the socio-demographic determinants of adherence to screening for cervical cancer in a sample of Portuguese women, and relate it to the knowledge of its pathology.

Participants and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a sample of women receiving family planning services in health centers of Viseu, in the period between February and March 2011. Women were invited to participate in the study by answering a self applied questionnaire completed while waiting for their appointments. The sample consisted of 240 women between the ages of 26 to 54 years. The knowledge of the pathology was assessed with questions relating to symptoms, treatment and importance of screening.

Results: Seventy-two point nine percent are married or living in de facto unions, 15.4% are single and 11.7 are divorced / widowed. Regarding their employment status, 76.1% are employed and 23.9% are unemployed. Relatively to schooling, 25.5% are under 6 years of schooling, 36.3% between 6 and 12 years of schooling and 38.2% hold a higher level education. As to the number of children, 20.9% have no children, 35.0% have one child, 35.9% have two children and 8.2% have more than two children. Older women (46 to 64 years), those with more schooling, those employed, widows / divorced and those who have one child, are the ones with better knowledge of cervical cancer.

Conclusion: Adherence to screening is influenced by socio demographic variables, as well as knowledge about the disease.