Use of and attitudes and knowledge about pap smears among women in Kuwait.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the lifetime prevalence of Pap smear among women in Kuwait and to assess their knowledge about and attitude toward Pap smears.


METHODS
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using a multistage cluster sampling method. We interviewed 299 women attending polyclinics in Kuwait using a self-administered questionnaire. Factors related to history of having a Pap smear, knowledge level, and willingness to participate in a screening program were evaluated.


RESULTS
The lifetime prevalence of Pap smear was found to be 37% (95% CI 33-43). Forty-four percent of women in our study had a Pap smear only once in their lives. History of having at least one Pap smear was significantly related to such factors as age, total family income, marital status, history of cervical infection, and knowledge. The level of knowledge about cervical cancer varied among the participants. Forty-six percent of women were uncertain about the symptoms of cervical cancer. About half the women recognized cervical infection, smoking, and having multiple sexual partners as risk factors for cervical cancer; however, only 10% recognized early sexual intercourse as a risk factor. Willingness to participate in a future screening program varied significantly according to educational level, employment status, and total family income.


CONCLUSIONS
Although cervical cancer incidence and mortality are relatively low in Kuwait, they may be underreported in the absence of a screening program. Moreover, lifetime prevalence of having a Pap smear was found to be considerably lower in Kuwait compared with developed countries.
El-Hammasi
Khadija
K
Department of Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait. lthalib@hsc.edu.kw
Samir
Ola
O
Kettaneh
Soania
S
Al-Fadli
Athari
A
Thalib
Lukman
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007730:Kuwait / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012938:Social Perception; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult