KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND ASSOCIATED FACTOR TOWARDS CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION AMONG PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL FEMALE TEACHERS IN GONDAR TOWN, NORTH WEST ETHIOPIA, 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is uncontrolled proliferation of cells on the cervix. Worldwide millions of women suffering from this disease. Cervical cancer can be prevented by increased awareness and change negative attitude about cause and prevention of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to identify gap of the knowledge and attitude regards to cervical cancer. Objective: This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards cervical cancer prevention among female teachers working in primary and secondary schools in Gondar town Northwest Ethiopia, 2022 Method: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 610 female teachers who were working in Primary and secondary schools in Gondar town by using a stratified sampling technique. The collected data were checked for any inconsistency, coded and entered by using EPI INFO version 7, and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were computed and presented by using tables, graphs, and texts. Both Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was computed to identify the association between the dependent variable with independent variables. Variables having P-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result: Among 610 participants with a response rate of 96.3%, (38.4 % (95% CI; 34.4942.23) and 56.2% (95% CI; 52.28-60.18) of teachers had good knowledge and positive

attitude

on cervical cancer prevention respectively. Factors affecting teachers' knowledge level were studied language (Amharic and English) [AOR;?3.908; (1.50910.122)], Natural Science [AOR 2.904 (1.128-7.475)], being married [AOR: 0.386; [95%

(0.188-0.792)],

hear information from health professionals [AOR; 0.537(0.311-0.925)] significantly associated with knowledge. Factors of the attitude of teachers on cervical cancer prevention were working in secondary school [AOR; 1.83(1.03-3.25)], have regular menstrual period (AOR; 2.32(1.49-3.62), no history of abortion, (AOR; 0.45(0.23-0.89), good knowledge status (AOR, 2.56(1.64-4.00) significantly associated with positive attitude. Conclusion and recommendations most of teachers Knowledge and attitude regarding to cervical cancer prevention were poor. Being married, the field of study/ language (Amharic and English), and natural science, heard information from health professionals were factors associated with teachers’ knowledge. Working in secondary school, have regular menstrual period, no history of abortion, and knowledge were factors associated attitude regarding to cervical cancer prevention. Therefore health promotion, counseling integrated with reproductive health education through mass media in essay and understanding way regarding to cervical cancer prevention should be important Keywords:-cervical cancer, knowledge, attitude, teachers, Gondar, Prevention