Sexual behavior and the prevalence of cervical cancer screening use in the Šumadija district

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Vera Simić ,

Vera Simić

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Nataša Mihailović ,

Nataša Mihailović

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Snežana Radovanović ,

Snežana Radovanović

University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia

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Sanja Kocić ,

Sanja Kocić

University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia

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Svetlana Radević ,

Svetlana Radević

University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia

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Ivana Simić-Vukomanović

Ivana Simić-Vukomanović

University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia

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Abstract

Introduction/Aim. Reproductive health and cervical cancer screeaning are public health priorities. The aim of the study was to asses the sexual behavior and prevalence of cervical cancer screening use in the Šumadija District, Serbia. Methods. The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 510 females aged 18 -49 years, living on the territory of the Šumadija District. An anonymous standardised questionnaire was used as a research tool based on the research protocol entitled "The World Health organization, STEPwise Approach to Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS)". Results. During the first sexual intercourse, 60.1% of the surveyed population used some of the contraceptives, whereas during the last sexual intercourse, 72.5% of the female respondents reported not having used any of these. Out of the total number of female respondents, every fifth respondent reported not having had a single Pap smear in her lifetime performed (22.8%), i. e. 85.0% of the female respondents aged 19 -29 years (p < 0.001), every third female respondent who had completed elementary school (28.4%) p = 0.009, and every third respondent who was not married (33.3%) (p = 0.01). Conclusion. All the activities should be directed towards increasing the levels of accessibility and availability of the institutions and cervical cancer screening services provided there. In addition, resource capacities should be enhanced as well (medical staff, rooms, equipment).

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