Perceptions of risk of cervical cancer and attitudes towards cervical screening: a comparison of smokers and non-smokers.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare smokers' and non-smokers' perceptions of risks of cervical cancer and attitudes towards cervical screening.


METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 722 women aged between 20 and 64 years.


RESULTS
While smokers perceived their relative risk of heart disease to be greater than that of non-smokers, they did not perceive their risks of cervical cancer to be greater. Smokers held less positive attitudes towards cervical screening than did non-smokers. Smokers and non-smokers did not differ in their intentions to attend for cervical screening: for both groups, intentions were very high. Using logistic regression analysis, both attitudes towards cervical screening [odds ratio (OR) 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-2.2] and perceived relative risk of developing cervical cancer (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.1) were predictive of intentions to attend for screening, as well as educational level (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.2-11.3) and marital status (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.3-0.9).


CONCLUSIONS
Smokers seem unaware of their increased risks of cervical cancer and hence the increased value for them of regular smears. Evaluations are needed to determine the effectiveness of interventions delivered in the context of cervical screening aimed at (i) raising smokers' awareness of their increased risk of cervical cancer and (ii) stopping smoking.
Marteau
Theresa M
TM
Psychology and Genetics Research Group, Guy's King's and St Thomas's School of Medicine, Thomas Guy House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 9RT, UK.
Hankins
Matthew
M
Collins
Bernadette
B
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012907:Smoking; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*