ArticleWomen's health (London, England)
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among women in Damascus, Syria: A cross-sectional study.
Article in Women's health (London, England). The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundCervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases affecting women in low-resource and conflict-affected regions such as Syria. Persistent challenges including limited access to health care, disrupted health infrastructure, sociocultural taboos, and inadequate health education have severely restricted the implementation and uptake of screening programs. Understanding the multifaceted determinants of women's awareness, perceptions, and health-seeking behavior is essential for designing sustainable, context-sensitive prevention strategies.
objectivesThis study aimed to evaluate Syrian women's knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices toward cervical cancer and to identify demographic, educational, and psychosocial predictors influencing these domains. It also sought to explore the paradoxical role of education in shaping self-efficacy, awareness, and screening-related attitudes within this population.
designA descriptive cross-sectional design was employed.
methodsData were collected between November 2024 and May 2025 in Damascus, Syria, using a validated self-administered electronic questionnaire. A total of 606 women aged 15 years and above participated voluntarily. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy related to cervical cancer and screening behaviors. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations between sociodemographic factors and outcome measures.
resultsAlthough 49% of respondents demonstrated moderate knowledge, only 10% had ever undergone a Pap smear. Major barriers included embarrassment (59%), fear of discomfort (51%), and financial limitations (21%). Higher education significantly predicted better knowledge (
conclusionA profound disconnect persists between awareness and screening behavior among Syrian women. Interventions must extend beyond information delivery to address cultural, emotional, and economic barriers through comprehensive, community-based, and empowerment-oriented public health initiatives.
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