Conocimientos y actitudes de trabajadoras de salud en torno al programa de detección oportuna de cáncer cérvico-uterino

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the degree of knowledge and general attitudes toward uterocervical carcinoma and the early cancer detection programme among female healthcare workers. DESIGN: Crossover descriptive study. Questionnaire to assess knowledge and general attitudes. SETTING: Primary health care centre (between April and June, 1995). PATIENTS: 55 sexually active female healthcare workers. RESULTS: Pertaining to knowledge, results showed an average of 8 +/- 4 correct answers, which correspond to a very low degree on a scale of 0 to 24 points; however, evaluation of general attitudes reflected a marked improvement, with an average response of 38 +/- 7 correct answer on a scale of 24 to 48 points. Single or married female doctors under 30, who started their sexual activity after 20 years of age, currently with 3 children or less, and professional experience with uterocervical carcinoma, had a more positive attitude and deeper understanding of this disease and the detection programme. CONCLUSIONS: Any successful educational programme on uterocervical carcinoma and early cancer detection, involves the promotion of knowledge and positive attitudes among female healthcare workers.