AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of women living in urban and rural areas about cervical cancer.

METHODS

The study was conducted cross-sectionally between May 2024 and December 2024 among women living in rural and urban areas in a province in Western Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 198 women calculated with the G-Power programme. The data of the study were collected with a questionnaire form consisting of questions about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to cervical cancer and the Attitude Scale for Early Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer. The necessary permissions were obtained for the conduct of the study. Descriptive statistical analyses, Paired samples t test, Pearson Chi Square, Likelihood Ratio, Binary Logistic Regression tests were used in the statistical evaluation of the study.

RESULTS

It was found that the frequency of being a primary or secondary school graduate was higher among those living in rural areas, whereas the frequency of having a university degree or higher, being employed, and having a father with a high school education was higher among those living in urban areas (p < 0.05). Individuals living in urban areas perceived the benefits of early diagnosis screening more than those living in rural areas (p < 0.05). Individuals living in urban areas are more likely to have regular gynaecological examinations and Pap smear tests than those living in rural areas (p < 0.05). In addition, individuals living in urban areas were found to be more knowledgeable about the transmission routes of HPV (p < 0.05). However, individuals living in rural areas were more aware of the effects of early sexual life and multiple sexual partners (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results reveal that there are differences between urban and rural areas in terms of access to health services, utilisation of health services and difference of the content of health services and women's sexual health knowledge. To address these differences, it is recommended that mobile health services be expanded in rural areas, and that HPV screening programs and educational initiatives be broadened. In urban areas, efforts should focus on developing comprehensive awareness programs that go beyond disease prevention to include promotion of healthy sexual behavior and understanding of associated risk factors.