Cervical Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Bangladeshi University Students

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a key health concern in Bangladesh, yet the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices related to CC among university students in the country have not been thoroughly examined. This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding CC prevention among female university students at a public university in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 400 undergraduate students from Dhaka, recruited using stratified random sampling techniques. Data collection was conducted through a self-administered anonymous questionnaire from March-April 2024. Pearson correlation test was performed to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CC using SPSS Version 27. Results: Most students were single (90%), with 29% being postgraduates. Findings indicate that, while most students held positive attitudes toward CC prevention, their knowledge about the disease and its risk factors was limited. Only 4% of the students had received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and just 1% had undergone Pap smear or Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) testing. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between knowledge and preventive practices (r = 0.125, p = 0.015), as well as between attitudes and practices (r = 0.213, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study underscores the need for targeted public health interventions to improve awareness, knowledge, and participation in CC prevention among university students. These insights are critical for informing policy aimed at strengthening cervical cancer prevention efforts in Bangladesh, particularly within the university student population.