Page 131 - Ebook-Book JCMS 2025

Knowledge and Attitudes of Pregnant Women Toward Cervical
Cancer Screening During Pregnancy
Paweenrat Lattasaksiri1, Pichita Prasongvej1*, Athita Chanthasenanont1, Dittakarn Boriboonhirunsarn2
,
Densak Pongrojpaw1, Komsun Suwannarurk1
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
*Corresponding Author E-mail: pichita.pra@gmail.com
Objective: Methods: Abstract
To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and interest in cervical cancer screening during
pregnancy among pregnant women.
This prospective cohort study was conducted from February to September 2024, involving
384 pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years, less than 20 weeks gestation, at their first
antenatal visit. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing knowledge about
cervical cancer, attitudes towards screening, and interest in undergoing screening during
pregnancy. Continuous data will be analyzed using the mean ± SD, while categorical
data will be presented as frequencies. Independent factors influencing the interest in
cervical cancer screening will be assessed using logistic regression analysis.
Results: The mean maternal age was 30 years. Two-thirds of participants had education at least
a bachelor’s degree, and over half had a high salary. Only 42.7 percent had previously
undergone cervical cancer screening, with 70 percent screened in the past 3 years. Knowledge
scores averaged 8.9 out of 15, with many participants unaware of key facts, including
the use of Pap smears for screening. Although 80 percent had a positive attitude towards
screening during pregnancy, only 57 percent were interested in undergoing cervical cancer
screening during pregnancy. Factors such as prior screening and knowledge level were
significant in determining interest in screening.
Conclusion: Despite a positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening, many pregnant women
are not interested in screening during pregnancy, often due to prior screenings or
misconceptions. Enhancing knowledge through targeted education may improve interest
and participation in cervical cancer screening during pregnancy.
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