Women's Awareness of Gynecological Cancers and Affecting

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Gynecological cancers are among the most common cancers in women.

Objective: The aim of the study is to determine women's awareness of gynecological cancers and the affecting factors.

Method: The study is of descriptive type. It was conducted in a family health center region in Şanlıurfa. Data was collected between April 2020 and February 2021. The sample consists of 221 women. An introductory information form and gynecological cancers awareness scale were used to collect data. In the analysis of data, t-test in independent groups, Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis analysis were performed. Necessary permissions were obtained to carry out the study.

Results: It was determined that 42.5% of women were illiterate, 54.8% had a low economic status, and 69.7% had a nuclear family. 52% stated that their health was good. 49.8% of women have never heard of gynecological cancers before.  It was determined that 93.2% had not received training on this subject before. The Gynecological Cancers Awareness Scale mean score was found to be 144.9 ± 22.93. It was determined that women's income level, perception of health, previous education about gynecological cancers, and hearing about gynecological cancers before affected their awareness of gynecological cancers (p<0.05).

Conclusion: As a result, it is seen that women's awareness levels of gynecological cancers are low and are affected by many factors. Interventional nursing studies should be carried out to increase women's awareness of gynecological cancers and create behavioral changes.

Keywords: Gynecological Cancers, Awareness, Nursing.