P-53 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of Female Students of the University of Guyana Regarding Pap Smears

Methods:  This cross-sectional, quantitative study surveyed 203 female students between the ages of 21 and 65 from 8 faculties at the University of Guyana. A piloted, self-administered questionnaire was used via Google Forms to ascertain the KAP of the students about pap smears. The Bloom’s Cut-off score was used to assess the knowledge of respondents while a Likert scale was used to assess Attitude. All data were analysed using SPSS v. 26 with the chi square test being used to test the relationship between sexual history and the KAP. p-value <0.05 = statistical significance.

Results:  67% of participants with a sexual history had good knowledge about pap smears when compared to those without a sexual history (58%). Despite this, only a small fraction of respondents was knowledgeable about correct screening protocols. The study found a significant inverse association (p=0.001) between knowledge level and positive attitude towards pap smears, i.e., women with at least satisfactory knowledge were more likely to have a positive attitude about pap smears and were more likely to obtain one. These women were less likely to believe pap smears were only necessary when recommended by physicians.  Only 34% of respondents had obtained at least one pap smear. ‘Being too busy’ and ‘being afraid of the pain’ were the major reasons identified for never having a pap smear.

Conclusion:  This study revealed that despite having good knowledge and positive attitudes towards pap smears, most female students at UG have never obtained one. This is often due to their busyness and fear of pain. Those who did often did so on their own without a doctor’s request and usually do not follow up.