The Association Between Knowledge Level and Attitudes of Women of Reproductive Age With Cervical Cancer Prevention in Kuta Selatan District

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major, yet largely preventable, public health problem among women. Prevention strategies including HPV vaccination are available, but implementation of cervical cancer preventive measures in the community remains suboptimal. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between levels of knowledge and attitudes and the adoption of cervical cancer preventive practices among women of reproductive age in Kuta Selatan Subdistrict. Methods: An analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Seventy-three respondents were enrolled using a nonprobability (non-random) sampling technique. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire previously utilized in earlier studies. Data analysis comprised univariate and bivariate assessments, with bivariate associations tested using Pearson’s chi-square at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). Results: Descriptive analysis indicated that respondents exhibited varying categories of knowledge and attitudes; however, the majority had not undertaken cervical cancer preventive measures optimally. Bivariate analysis revealed no significant association between knowledge level and preventive actions (p = 0.680). Similarly, no significant relationship was observed between attitude and preventive practices (p = 0.859). Conclusion: Neither knowledge nor attitude showed a significant association with cervical cancer preventive practices among women of reproductive age in Kuta Selatan Subdistrict. These findings suggest the need for more comprehensive promotive and preventive interventions that address additional determinants to improve preventive behaviour.