Knowledge of and attitude towards cervical cancer screening among the women aged 25 to 49 in Tabora Municipality – Tanzania.

The study investigated the knowledge and attitude held by women aged twenty five to forty nine towards cervical cancer screening in Tabora municipality in Tanzania. The objectives of the study were: To explore the extent to which the sampled women were knowledgeable about cervical cancer screening, examine women’s perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer and the attitude towards cervical cancer screening. Mixed methodology was used to facilitate the study using descriptive survey design. Data were collected from a sample of 200 respondents using questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions. Findings revealed that majority of women had poor knowledge of cervical cancer while very few had a sound knowledge about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. Perceived susceptibility was also low among majority of respondents. Very few respondents had high perceived susceptibility. The major reason attributed to low perceived susceptibility was religious beliefs. Positive attitudes were observed among majority of respondents. The study concluded that women are not well informed about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. There is need to have deliberately efforts to educate women about cervical cancer. The study further concluded that majority of women are positive towards cervical cancer screening. It was recommended that there is need for increased mass campaigns involving the media and other influential people in the society to educate women about cervical cancer. Also, it is recommended that there should be initiative counselling for women undergoing gynaecological examination. Moreover it is imperative that the government has to play its part by increasing health care budgets and priorities to cervical cancer prevention strategies especially through launching national awareness campaigns and, spreading screening services in other regions where services are not available.