Factors Associated with Utilisation of Pap Smear Screening Test Among Women Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Staff

Abstract

According to the Ministry of Health, the third most common cancer among women in Malaysia is cervical cancer. Pap Smear Screening Test is used to detect early stage of cervical cancer. Any abnormal changes in the cervix will be found as the process of screening is the most efficient way to detect early cervical cancer. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine the factors associated with utilization of Pap smear screening test among women Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) staff. A cross-sectional study design was used and a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to collect the data. A total of 50 women UMK employees from eight faculties involved in this study. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Data collection of this research was conducted via online questionnaire whereby, Google Form was used as a platform. Majority of the respondents were married (76.0%), Islam (92.0%), Malay (94.0%), from Faculty of Entrepreneurship (18.0%) and ever had a Pap smear screening test (46.0%). Based on Binary logistic regression, there was no association between knowledge on Cervical Cancer and behavior with utilization of Pap smear screening test. The results showed that the knowledge on Cervical Cancer and behaviour, were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The findings of the data are essential in society especially women to emphasize their health care. Society will realize that hospitals are not just a facility for sick person. It can also be used for a regular check-up to a healthy person, just for preventative measures. Thus, there will be an increase in the awareness of cervical cancer screening test utilisation.