Determinants of PAP Smear Testing among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers. A study in Hilla City / Babil Governorate / Iraq 2015

Dr. Sawsan Hussein Hashim, Dr. Ali Hussein Imran

Abstract: This cross-sectional study assessed determinants of Pap smear uptake among 385 women aged 20?64 attending primary health centers in Hilla City, Iraq. Despite 86% awareness of cervical cancer, only 52% knew about Pap smears, with just 6% having ever undergone screening. Key barriers included fear (72.2%), embarrassment (70%), lack of provider recommendations (30.1%), and misconceptions (e.g., "no symptoms, no need"). Higher education and income correlated with better knowledge, while married and employed women had more positive attitudes. Most (97.4%) preferred female providers. Findings highlight critical gaps in knowledge, cultural barriers, and systemic weaknesses in healthcare promotion. Targeted education, provider engagement, and gender-sensitive services are urgently needed to improve screening rates in Iraq.

Keywords: cervical cancer, Pap smear, screening barriers, women's health, Iraq

How to Cite?: Dr. Sawsan Hussein Hashim, Dr. Ali Hussein Imran, "Determinants of PAP Smear Testing among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers. A study in Hilla City / Babil Governorate / Iraq 2015", Volume 14 Issue 4, April 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1045-1050, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25412185110, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25412185110