The Role of Pap Smear and HPV Vaccine in Preventing Cervical Cancer: Examining the Knowledge and Utilization Among Women from Saudi Arabia

Cervical cancer (CC) is the ninth most prevalent cancer in Saudi Arabia, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Fortunately, both HPV infection and CC are preventable by effective methods of screening and a successful HPV vaccine; however, knowledge and awareness about these approaches affect their beneficial application.

A structured questionnaire of 22 questions included demographic data, CC awareness and associated risk factors, evaluation of Pap smear and HPV vaccine knowledge, and their application was constructed and validated. Participants were exclusively female. It was distributed across the country and scored according to a pre-defined scoring system. Influencing factors of CC, Pap smear, and HPV vaccine knowledge and awareness were examined. A regression model to predict the possibility of performing Pap smear was generated. P-value of 0.05 and less indicated statistical significance in all tests.

A total of 2539 women completed the questionnaire. About 41% were 18–25 years old, and the majority were from the central area of the Kingdom (30.4%). Although 65% of the participants were sexually active, the majority had inadequate CC awareness, with a median awareness score of five out of 15 (33.3%). Two-thirds of the participants have heard about Pap smear and its role in detecting CC but only 20% took the test. One-third knew that the HPV vaccine can prevent CC but only 2% received the vaccination.

Sociodemographic factors associated with higher awareness levels were eastern region resident (p-value = 0.022), medical field occupation, and an income higher than 20 K per month (p-value < 0.001 for both). Age, family income, and educational level were significant predictors for performing a Pap smear (p-value < 0.001).

In Saudi Arabia, there is a dearth of knowledge and utilization of HPV and Pap smear among women. Better advocacy and implementation of nation-wide campaigns to further utilize early detection and preventive procedures is needed.