International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 107, Issue 3 , Pages 216-219, December 2009

Knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of female sex workers toward HPV infection, cervical cancer, and cervical smears in Thailand

  • Chumnan Kietpeerakool

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. Tel.: +66 53 945552 5; fax: +66 53 946112.
    • ,
  • Yupin Phianmongkhol

      Affiliations

    • Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
    • ,
  • Kriangsak Jitvatcharanun

      Affiliations

    • Sexually Transmitted Infection Centre, Region 10, Chiang Mai, Thailand
    • ,
  • Usanee Siriratwatakul

      Affiliations

    • Sexually Transmitted Infection Centre, Region 10, Chiang Mai, Thailand
    • ,
  • Jatupol Srisomboon

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Received 4 June 2009; received in revised form 29 June 2009; accepted 20 July 2009. published online 01 September 2009.

Abstract 

Objective

To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of female sex workers (FSWs) regarding cervical cancer and its prevention in Thailand.

Method

From August through November 2008, 402 consecutive FSWs were recruited for interviews.

Results

The mean knowledge score was 4.9 (maximum possible, 15; range, 0–14). Approximately 60% of the FSWs had knowledge scores less than 5. Low education and a lack of health insurance were significant independent predictors of low knowledge scores (adjusted odds ratios, 3.17 and 1.97, respectively). More than half of the FSWs were unaware of being at higher risk for HPV infection or of the possible consequences of HPV infection. The negative attitude regarding cervical screening was caused by the fear of abnormal results (27.9%), experiencing pain (18.4%), and embarrassment (14.7%).

Conclusion

The knowledge and awareness of HPV infection, cervical cancer, and utility of cervical smears is low among FSWs in Thailand. Designing and implementing effective interventions is crucial and merits attention in future research.

Keywords: Awareness, Cervical cancer, Female sex worker, Human papillomavirus, Knowledge

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PII: S0020-7292(09)00403-2

doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2009.07.023

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 107, Issue 3 , Pages 216-219, December 2009

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