Women’s health behaviours regarding cervical cancer prevention

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a serious problem in gynaecological oncology, which gains even more importance when it concerns young women at reproductive age – 20–39. It is an alarming fact that despite the knowledge about causes of the development of the disease, its dynamics, diagnostic and treatment methods, in Poland, very high mortality rates are still observed, compared to the other countries of the European Union.

Aim of the research: To evaluate health behaviours of women with respect to cervical cancer prophylaxis.

Material and methods: The study included 115 women aged 20 to 50, and was conducted in the Regional Mother and Newborn Child Centre in Kielce by the method of a diagnostic survey. The research instrument was a questionnaire consisting of 28 items designed by the author.

Results: Analysis of the results of the study showed that 17.39% of respondents initiated sexual activity when aged under 18. The examined women had a relatively good knowledge of the basic cervical cancer risk factors. Among the main cervical cancer risk factors, 80.00% of respondents mentioned infection with HPV virus.

Conclusions: Health behaviours of women with respect to cervical cancer prophylaxis are becoming increasingly positive. However, educational actions should be enhanced concerning detailed information pertaining to cervical cancer and benefits resulting from vaccination against HPV virus.