Background: Due to the increasing rate of cervical cancer screening, and the importance of teachers and faculties in changing the perspective of population on this issue, the present study was carried out to evaluate knowledge base, attitude and performance of teachers and faculty members in relation to cervical cancer screening test.
Objectives: This study attempted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and performance of teachers and faculty members on cervical cancer screening test in Shiraz, Iran.
Patients and Methods: The present cross-sectional survey was conducted on a community with high education level. The study was carried out on a sample of 417 randomly selected subjects involving 206 participants from high school teachers and 211 faculty members. Stratified random sampling method was used proportionate to the size, of the main population in each group. P value 0.05 was considered for estimating sample size. Valid and reliable questionnaires were completed via face to face interview. Data were analyzed using SPSS Software version 13.
Results: Mean score of knowledge (4.78 ± 0.71) was higher in faculty members than female teachers (4.21 ± 1.16). There was no statistically significant difference in mean scores of knowledge (P value = 0.748) and attitude (P value = 0.704) between teachers of different age groups. Mean score of knowledge (P value = 0.001) and attitude (P value = 0.009) was significantly different among faculty members with different academic degrees. Although academics had higher Knowledge and attitude, the mean score of performance among teachers (18%) was higher than faculty members (16.6%).
Conclusions: This study showed that in regard to screening of cervical cancer, there is no acceptable knowledge, attitude and performance level among faculty members and teachers in different zones of Shiraz.