Acceptability and Awareness of Cervical Cancer Screening in Medical Students of Karachi

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the level of awareness on cervical cancer screening and acceptability of HPV vaccination among medical students in Karachi, Pakistan.

Study design and setting: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out in the three medical colleges of Karachi and comprised both government and non-government institutions

Methodology: A stratified random sample of 425 undergraduate medical students (years 1–5) was selected. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze associations between variables.

Results: Of the 425 participants (59.5% female; mean age 21.4 ± 2.1 years), 75.3% had heard of cervical cancer, but only 42.4% recognized Pap smear as a screening method and 45.9% knew HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer. Good knowledge (≥70% score) was observed in 32.9% of respondents. Acceptability of screening and HPV vaccination was reported by 62.4% and 69.4% respectively. Cost (65.9%) and cultural concerns (49.4%) were the most cited barriers. Logistic regression showed that female gender (AOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.20–2.85, p = 0.005), clinical year of study (AOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.45–3.66, p < 0.001), and family history of cancer (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.05–2.90, p = 0.031) were significant predictors of good knowledge, while acceptability was associated with female gender and higher knowledge levels.

Conclusions: Medical students demonstrated moderate awareness but significant knowledge gaps regarding cervical cancer prevention. Female and senior students showed higher awareness and acceptability. Targeted curriculum reforms, financial support for vaccination, and awareness campaigns are needed to strengthen cervical cancer prevention in Pakistan.

Keywords: Acceptability; Awareness; Cervical Cancer; HPV Vaccines; Karachi; Medical Students; Screening