Effects of Group Counseling Based on Health Belief Model on Cervical Cancer Screening Beliefs and Performance of Rural Women in Kaboudrahang,Iran

Objective: Pap smear test is an appropriate screening method for early diagnosis of cervical cancer and reduction of mortality. This study targeted effects of group counseling based on the Health Belief Model on cervical cancer screening practices of Iranian rural women. Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 rural women under coverage of the health care centers in rural areas in the city of Kabudrahang, Iran, in 2015. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire covering demographic information, Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs and screening performance. Data were collected using a multi-stage sampling method. Group counseling was conducted based on the Health Belief Model and the GATHER steps in three sessions for the intervention group. Counseling included an introduction to cervical cancer, disease symptoms, warning signs and prevention approaches. Pap smear testing in both intervention and control groups was evaluated two months after the group counseling. Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between both groups in the HBM constructs and performance. After the intervention, a significant difference was seen in the perceived susceptibility (P<0.001), severity (P=006), benefits (P=012), barriers (P<0.001), and self-efficacy (P=002). Two months after the intervention, 17 patients (42.5%) in the intervention group, and 4 patients (10%) in the control group had undergone a Pap smear test (P<0.001). Conclusion: Design and implementation of counseling programs based on the HBM can modify the beliefs of rural women regarding cervical cancer screening and increase their performance.     

Knowledge and Barriers Towards Cervical Cancer Screening Among Young Women in Malaysia

Objectives: This study examined the level of knowledge and barriers towards cervical cancer screening of female university students. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was used for 287 female students at a tertiary institution located in Selangor, Malaysia. A name list of all students in the all faculties were obtained from each faculty’s registrar and the ethics committee of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, approved the study. Respondents completed a consent form before they were given the questionnaire consisting of four sections: socio-demographic characteristics (six questions); risk factor of cervical cancer (six); knowledge about cervical cancer and the Pap smear test (ten); and finally barriers to Pap screening (eleven). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13. Results: The prevalence of ever having had a Pap test was 6%. Majority of the participants had adequate knowledge about risk factors of cervical cancer. The highest knowledge about cervical cancer risk factor reported by the respondents was having more than one sex partner (77.5%), whereas the lowest was the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer (51.2%). Age, marital status, ethnicity, monthly family income and faculty were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer screening (p=0.003; p=0.001; p=0.002; p=0.002; p=0.001 & p=0.002; respectively). The most common barriers of cervical cancer screening were the Pap smear test will make them worry (95.8%) whereas the least common barrier reported among participants was no encouragement from the partner (8.8%). Conclusion: Some misconceptions and barriers in uptaking Pap smear test are still serious problems among young women. Although knowledge about cervical cancer screening is adequate they have a very poor practice of Pap smear test. The introduction of reproductive health subjects is warranted for all university students.     

Knowledge and Views of Secondary School Students in Kuala Lumpur on Cervical Cancer and its Prevention

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in women worldwide. Persistent infection with a humanpapillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause for cervical cancer. Vaccination and Pap smear screening are the bestmethods for prevention of the disease. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledgeand views of upper secondary school female students in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, toward prevention of cervicalcancer. This study was conducted from April 2009 to September 2009 in 8 schools in Kuala Lumpur area usingpre-tested and validated questionnaires. Results indicated that the respondents had low knowledge of cervicalcancer and its prevention although the majority of students (80.4%) had heard about the disease. The level ofknowledge of cervical cancr and its prevention was significantly higher among students from the science stream(p<0.001) compared to students from the art stream. Most students (69.3%) agreed to take the vaccination if theservice was available in schools. A high percentage of students (82.2%) agreed that the vaccination should becompulsory to the students. In conclusion, most students had low knowledge of cervical cancer and its preventionbut they had positive attitude toward vaccination and agreed that vaccination should be compulsory. Therefore,suitable educational programmes should be developed to improve the knowledge of secondary school studentson the prevention of cervical cancer.     

A Cross-sectional Study of Knowledge,Attitude and Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening among Cancer Survivors

Introduction: Understanding behaviour of cancer survivors is imperative as they are at risk of recurrence or second cancers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers globally. We aim to determine the uptake rate, barriers and predictors of CRC screening among cancer survivors. Methods: Within a public hospital in Singapore, 150 non-CRC survivors were enrolled. Questionnaire on knowledge, screening behaviour, motivators and barriers towards CRC screening was administered. Results: Majority were survivors of breast (69.3%), prostate (7.3%), endometrial (4%) and ovarian (4%) cancers. More than half had high knowledge scores for CRC symptoms, screening tests and risk factors. About a third had received physician’s recommendation on CRC screening. Approximately half had undergone screening. The most common barriers to CRC screening were lack of symptoms and physician’s recommendation. Cancer survivors with higher education, higher household income, family history and those who perceived “great need” or “some need” were more likely to have undergone screening (56.4% vs 30.6%, p=0.003; 62.2% vs 41.9%, p=0.022; 70.6% vs 45.1%, p=0.048; 70.8% vs 27.4%, p<0.001). Physician’s recommendation (76.4% vs 31.6%, p<0.001) and high CRC symptom knowledge (55.8% vs 34.5%, p=0.012) were associated with increased likelihood of screening.On multivariate analysis, physician’s recommendation, higher household income and survivors’ perceived need to undergo screening remained strong predictors for CRC screening (p<0.001; p=0.010; p<0.001). Conclusion: The uptake rate of CRC screening among non-CRC survivors was modest. Physicians need to be more active in discussing CRC screening with cancer survivors as part of the survivorship care plan.     

Cervical Cancer Screening among Women Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in a Resource-Limited Environment

Background: Cervical cancer is among the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide and women living with HIV are at increased risk, especially in a resource-limited environment. Objective: This study aimed to determine levels of awareness, knowledge, uptake, and willingness to screen for cervical cancer among women receiving care in an HIV clinic at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital (DRRH), Tanzania. Methods: Data were collected for a period of three weeks from July 21 to August 11, 2017 using a mobile phone data collection App. A total of 421 Women aged 18-50 years old were included in the study. Results: Majority of the women interviewed (n=306, 73%) were aware of cervical cancer. Among those who were aware, 84% (n=257) did not recall ever being screened for cervical cancer, and majority had a poor knowledge of cervical cancer. Educational level completed (p=0.01), income per month (p=0.02), age group (p<0.0001), and area of residence (p<0.0001) were all significantly associated to awareness of cervical cancer. Most of the women who have never screened (n=231, 91%) expressed willingness to be screened. Prior uptake of cervical cancer screening was associated with number of live births (p=0.001) and area of residence (p=0.04). And Willingness to screen was significantly associated with age groups (p=0.03) and the number of live births (p=0.03). Moreover, we found that younger age and urban residence was positively associated with awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening. Willingness was found to decrease as age increased. Conclusion: The study found that despite older women’s higher risk of cervical cancer, those who indicated willingness to screen were younger. Additional education, health promotion, and integration of cervical cancer screening services is needed to improve cervical cancer awareness and screening uptake at the HIV clinic.     

Validity and Reliability of Health Belief Model Questionnaire for Promoting Breast Self-examination and Screening Mammogram for Early Cancer Detection

Background: Early detection of breast cancer is essential in improving overall women’s health. The researchers sought to develop a comprehensive measure that combined the basic components of the health belief model (HBM) with a focus on breast self-examination (BSE) and screening mammogram amongst women.Methods: Questionnaire items were developed following a review of relevant literature of HBM on BSE and screening mammogram. The sampling frame for the study was Malaysian women aged 35 to 70 years old, living in Kuantan, Pahang and able to read or write in Bahasa Malaysia or English. As such, 103 women were randomly selected to participate in the study. Tests of validity using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability were subsequently performed to determine the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. Results: The EFA revealed nine factors (self-efficacy of mammogram, perceived barriers of BSE and mammogram, perceived susceptibility of breast cancer, perceived severity of breast cancer, cues to action for mammogram screening, perceived benefits of BSE, health motivation, perceived benefits of mammogram and self-efficacy of BSE) containing 54 items that jointly accounted for 74.2% of the observed variance. All nine factors have good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.8. Fifty-four items remained in the final questionnaire after deleting 13 problematic items. The scale also showed good convergent and discriminant validity.Conclusion: The findings showed that the designed questionnaire was a valid and reliable instrument for the study involving women in Kuantan, Pahang. The instrument can help to assess women’s beliefs on BSE adoption and mammogram screening in health care practice and research.     

Perceived Benefits of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women Attending Mahalapye District Hospital,Botswana

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to describe women’s perceived benefits regarding cervical cancer and their association with socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted by questionnaire survey. A total of 300 participants were selected by convenience sampling techniques. Results: Participants’ mean age was 37 years (SD=11) and their cervical cancer screening rate was 39%. The majority (87%) either agreed or strongly agreed that ‘screening is important to be done’, while 75% believed screening could find changes in the cervix before full cancer arises and 84% that when found early cervical cancer can be easily cured. Comparing between ever screened and never screened, both groups agreed or strongly agreed that screening is important (88.8% versus 87.3%), and can find changes before they become cancer (83% versus 69.8%) and that cervical cancer is easily curable when detected early (92.4% versus 79.5%). Some 42.4% ever screened and 36.1% never screened responded not sure to whether cervical cancer decreases chances of an abortion. We did not find any socio-demographic variables which were significantly associated with perceived benefits of cervical cancer screening. Perceived benefits was not a significant predictor for cervical cancer screening (OR=1.291, p=0.33). Conclusion: The screening rate is still far too low compared to the National target of greater than 75%. Therefore, despite awareness of the perceived benefits of cervical cancer, the reasons why at risk women fail to participate in cervical cancer screening needs to be adequately explored.     

Genetic Polymorphism of the Glutathione S-transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) and Susceptibility to Cervical Cancer in Human Papilloma Virus Infected Northeastern Thai Women

Objective: We aimed to investigate any association between a genetic polymorphism of the detoxification GSTP1gene and risk of cervical cancer in northeastern Thailand. Materials and Methods: Genotyping of GSTP1 was performedfor 198 squamous cell cervical cancer (SCCA) patients and 198 age-matched healthy controls with the PCR-RFLPmethod. Results: The respective frequencies of the G allele were 0.33 and 0.26 in the controls and cases, the differencebeing significant (OR = 0.69 [95% CI: 0.50-0.95, p=0.0192]). Among women infected with high-risk types of HPV, beinga heterozygous carrier was associated with a reduced risk of cervical cancer (adjusted OR = 0.32 [95% CI: 0.12-0.91,p=0.031]). Similarly, a decreased risk was observed in heterozygous women with a non-smoking partner (adjusted OR= 0.27 [95% CI: 0.09-0.83, p=0.023]). Conclusions: GSTP1 polymorphism could influence susceptibility to cervicalcancer among northeast Thai women; either as a independent factor or in combination with high-risk HPV infection.Dual-testing of HPV and the GSTP1 might prove an effective screening tool for cervical cancer.     

Breast Cancer Screening Knowledge and Perceived Health Beliefs among Immigrant Women in Korea

Purpose

Recently, through international marriage, immigrant women have rapidly increased throughout Korea. This study was performed to identify health beliefs and practices related to breast cancer screening in immigrant women in Korea.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out between March and July 2012, and study population included immigrant females from six other Asian countries (Cambodia, China, Japan, Mongolia, Vietnam, and the Philippines). We surveyed 197 women and categorized them into four groups according to home countries. The questionnaire consisted of 55 items, including demographic and socioeconomic factors, breast cancer-related knowledge regarding risk factors and symptoms, beliefs and attitudes towards health and breast cancer, perceived susceptibility, barriers, and benefits of screening.

Results

Japanese participants were significantly older and had resided in Korea for more years than other country-of-origin groups (all p<0.001), and showed higher screening rates without statistical significance (p=0.392). In multivariate analysis, country of origin showed a significant correlation with knowledge (p=0.001), positive beliefs (p=0.002), and perceived benefits (p=0.025) of breast cancer screening. The group with the lowest household income showed a significantly lower score of perceived benefits (p=0.022). Through analysis to identify factors affecting participation in screening mammography, we found that education level (p=0.009), occupation status (p=0.006), and Korean language fluency (p=0.002) were independent predictors for screening behavior.

Conclusion

This study identified conditions related to breast cancer screening knowledge, perception, and behavior of immigrant women in Korea. The results reflect the need for increased social aids to remove barriers to medical services and more educational programs to facilitate higher rates of screening.     

Limited Understanding of Pap Smear Testing among Women,a Barrier to Cervical Cancer Screening in the United Arab Emirates

Global data indicate that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Important factors that affect interventions for early diagnosis of cervical cancer include social beliefs and values and poor knowledge. These may contribute to women’s participation in screening for cervical cancer and have a significant impact on decisions to take preventive action. The present study was conducted with 599 women in the UAE between September 2016 and March 2017. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, demographic characteristics and perceived barriers. Knowledge about the Pap smear test was limited, and awareness that they should undergo the Pap smear test every three years even with an initial negative/normal Pap smear result was abysmal. In spite of the positive attitude of the women towards the Pap smear test, almost 80% of the women surveyed had no knowledge of precancerous lesions. Having higher income (21/29, 72%, p=0.027) and more miscarriages were associated with better practice of Pap smears (19/26, 73%, p=0.010). Knowledge levels were significantly higher (66.3±22.2,) that values for attitude (60.5±20.9, p= 0.03, 95% CI {0.22-11.3}, Chi-square 4.38) and practice (53.7 24.1, p= 0.001, 95% CI {6.9-18.1}, Chi-square 19.7). A well-designed health education programme on cervical cancer and benefits of screening should increase the awareness among women in UAE. One point to stress is that better communication with health professionals and improvement of access to health care services should increase the rate of cervical cancer screening.     

Exploring the Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening through the Lens of Implementers and Beneficiaries of the National Screening Program: A Multi-Contextual Study

Background: Cervical cancer is a major reason for morbidity and mortality in Low and Middle income countries. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancers, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) sets out broad national guideline to implement Cervical cancer screening. However, an implementation strategy for cervical cancer screening is not in place for districts. Although opportunistic screening takes place, implementation is hindered by psychological and physical barriers for women, as well as insufficient capacity on the part of implementers. This qualitative study aims to identify the specific barriers that prevent the uptake of cervical cancer screening. Methods: Women who could benefit from cervical cancer program were interviewed to explore the factors that influenced their uptake of the cervical screening offered. Key informant interviews were conducted with implementers of the NPCDCS and with public health staff of three States (Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Karnataka), to understand their perception of determinants of the utilization of screening services. Results: The general health concern among the participants was low, and routine check-ups were considered unimportant. Poor knowledge about cervical cancer, benefits of screening service availability, as well as a general sense of well-being, embarrassment or anxiety related to the screening procedure, fear of being judged for lack of modesty, and stigma were common barriers to screening uptake. In addition to a general unawareness of cervical cancer geographical inaccessibility of screening as a barrier to participate in cervical cancer screening, in certain regions. Conclusion: It is essential to increase the knowledge on cervical cancer and on the benefits of screening among Indian women. Providing information and cues to action by health workers and professionals can facilitate the decision to participate. Implementers need to be involved to ensure context specific implementation of the National programme to overcome these barriers.     

Health Disparities between Black Hispanic and Black Non-Hispanic Cervical Cancer Cases in the USA

Background: Globally, cervical cancer is a major public health concern. Cervical cancer is the second mostcommon cancer among women, resulting in approximately 500,000 cases per year. The purpose of this study isto compare disease characteristics between Black Hispanic (BH) and Black non-Hispanic (BNH) women in theUS. Materials and Methods: We used stratified random sampling to select cervical cancer patient records fromthe SEER database (1973-2009). We used Chi-square and independent samples t-test to examine differences inproportions and means. Results: The sample included 2,000 cervical cancer cases of Black non-Hispanic and 91Black Hispanic women. There were statistically significant differences between black Hispanic and black non-Hispanics in mean age at diagnosis (p<0.001), mean survival time (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.001), primarysite of cancer (p<0.001); lymph node involvement (p<0.001); grading and differentiation (p<0.0001); and tumorbehavior (p<0.001). Black women were more likely to develop cervical cancer and to have the highest mortalityrates from the disease. Conclusions: Findings from this study show clear racial and ethnic disparities in cervicalcancer incidence and prognosis that should be addressed.     

Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Knowledge,Perceptions, and Screening Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Survey in Rural Philippines

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the Philippines. Cervical cancer screening is an effective method to reduce incidence. However, screening utilization is limited. This study aims to assess human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer knowledge, perceptions, and screening utilization, and to investigate factors influencing screening utilization among rural women in the Philippines. Methods: This cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 338 rural women aged 20–50 years, with a child under 5 years old registered in one of four public rural health centers in Tacao Island, Masbate Province in October 2017. A questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews elicited information about demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of HPV and cervical cancer, and cervical cancer screening utilization. Results: Mean age of participants was 32.5 years. Only 13.9% of participants had ever had cervical cancer screening. Although most women had heard of cervical cancer screening, their knowledge about the cause, risk factors, and preventive measures of HPV and cervical cancer was limited. Older age and higher education status were significantly associated with screening utilization. However, knowledge and perceived susceptibility and severity showed no association. The main reason for having screening was due to a health professional’s request or recommendation, and the reasons for not having screening were cost, not having symptoms, and fear of pain or discomfort and/or embarrassment during the procedure.  Conclusions: Health education must increase knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer and screening among women, including the nature and progression of cervical cancer, benefits of screening, screening cost, and screening procedure. Health care providers have an important role in educating and motivating women to undergo screening.     

Screening and Perceived Severity of Cervical Cancer among Women Attending Mahalapye District Hospital,Botswana

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to describe women’s perceived severity to cervical cancer andits associations with socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by aquestionnaire survey with a total of 300 participants selected by convenience sampling techniques. Results: Theparticipants’ mean age was 37years (SD=11) and the cervical cancer screening rate was 39%. Most of the womenwere sure about the severity of cancer as they responded mostly agreeing or strongly agreeing with statementsabout severity of cervical cancer. The range of average responses was 2.58 to 3.56. When the ever screened andthe never screened for cervical cancer was compared, it was observed that both groups equally believed thatthere is effective treatment for cervical cancer, and that cervical cancer makes a woman’s life difficult. Overall,60% of the never screened had low perceived severity while 33% of the screened had high perceived severity tocervical cancer. There was no significant association between perceived severity and screening for cervical cancer(c2 = 1.0795; p = 0.2988). Monthly income (c2=13.077; p<0001) and residential area (c2=15.457; p=0.004) weresignificantly associated with perceived severity. Conclusion: The screening rate is still far too low compared tothe national target of greater than 75%. Therefore, despite awareness of the perceived severity of cervical cancer,the reasons why at risk women fail to participate in cervical cancer screening need to be adequately explored.     

A multifaceted intervention to increase cervical cancer screening among underserved Korean women.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the proven survival benefits associated with cervical cancer screening, use of the Pap test continues to be suboptimal in some population subgroups, such as among Korean-American women who face considerable barriers to screening. Therefore, we evaluated a multifaceted intervention that combined psychoeducational counseling with patient navigation to address both psychosocial and access barriers to screening. METHOD: Women (n = 102) were recruited from Korean community centers and assigned to the intervention or control condition. The intervention group received cervical cancer education and patient navigation delivered by bilingual Korean health educators. The control group received general health education, including information about cervical cancer and screening. Assessments were obtained at baseline and postintervention. Screening behavior was assessed at 6 months postintervention. RESULTS: At baseline, 17% of participants reported having had a Pap test in the previous year. At 6 months postintervention, 83% of women in the intervention group had obtained screening compared with 22% in the control group, chi2(1) = 41.22, P < 0.001. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that participation in the intervention was associated with screening (P < 0.001). Fewer psychosocial barriers (e.g., discomfort at having a stranger perform Pap) and greater self-efficacy were also associated with screening (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A combined modality intervention that delivers education with patient navigation training and assistance resulted in increased screening rates. Multifaceted approaches may be effective in reducing the psychosocial, access, and language barriers that contribute to cancer health disparities in underserved populations.     

Barriers to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Singapore a Mixed Methods Analysis

Background In order to increase breast and cervical cancer screening uptake in Singapore, women's perceived barriers to screening need to be identi ed and overcome. Using data from both focus groups and surveys, we aimed to assess perceived barriers and motivations for breast and cervical cancer screening. Materials and Methods We conducted 8 focus groups with 64 women, using thematic analysis to identify overarching themes related to women's attitudes towards screening. Based on recurring themes from focus groups, several hypotheses regarding potential barriers and motivations to screen were generated and tested through a national survey of 801 women aged 25-64. Results Focus group participants had misconceptions related to screening, believing that the procedures were painful. Cost was an issue, as well as ef cacy and fatalism. Conclusions By identifying barriers to and motivators for screening through a mixed-method design that has both nuance and external validity, this study offers valuable suggestions to policymakers to improve breast and cervical cancer screening uptake in Singapore.     

Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Lay Beliefs about Cervical Cancer Causation and Prevention

Background: This study aimed to seek insights into Chinese women’s lay beliefs about cervical cancer causalattributions and prevention. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three new immigrant adult women from MainlandChina and thirty-five Hong Kong adult women underwent semi-structured in-depth interviews. Interviews wereaudio taped, transcribed and analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach. Results: This study generated threefoci: causal beliefs about cervical cancer, perceived risk of cervical cancer, and beliefs about cervical cancerprevention. Personal risky practices, contaminated food and environment pollution were perceived as theprimary causes of cervical cancer. New immigrant women more likely attributed cervical cancer to externalfactors. Most participants perceived cervical cancer as an important common fatal female cancer with increasedrisk/prevalence. Many participants, particularly new immigrant women participants, expressed helplessnessabout cervical cancer prevention due to lack of knowledge of prevention, it being perceived as beyond individualcontrol. Many new immigrant participants had never undergone regular cervical screening while almost allHong Kong participants had done so. Conclusions: Some Chinese women hold pessimistic beliefs about cervicalcancer prevention with inadequate knowledge about risk factors. Future cervical cancer prevention programsshould provide more information and include capacity building to increase Chinese women’s knowledge andself-efficacy towards cervical cancer prevention.     

Knowledge and Attitudes towards Cervical Cancer Screening amongst University of Botswana Female Students

Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Botswana. More than two-thirds of cases occur in HIV-infected women, in a nation with a high HIV prevalence of 17%. Even though cancer screening is free in health facilities, cervical cancer screening is low. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of University of Botswana female students on cervical cancer screening. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among University of Botswana female students to elicit information about their knowledge and attitudes on cervical cancer screening. Results: A total of 335 students completed the questionnaire and all reported that they were aware of cervical cancer. The awareness was mostly through brochures, posters and other printed material. Regarding cervical cancer risk 315 (94%) attributed cervical cancer to smoking and 301 (89.9%) to early sexual debut. The majority of students 329 (98.2 %) were aware of cervical cancer screening. Papanicolaou (Pap) smear was the most popular screening test reported by 160 (47.8%) of the respondents as compared to Human Papilloma Virus testing (HPV) reported by 106 (31.6 %) of the respondents. The overall Pap smear screening rate was 92 of 335 students (27.5%). Those who perceived themselves to be at risk of contracting cervical cancer 203 (60.6%) where 1.8 times more likely to go for Pap smear than those who perceived to be safe, (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.834; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]; 1.094-3.067), (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Pap smear screening uptake is low amongst University of Botswana female students. The likely reason for this could be because students do not perceive themselves to be susceptible to cancer so the lesser the likelihood of engaging in preventive behaviours. There is urgent need for university based cancer education campaign on cervical cancer screening benefits and incorporating these campaigns into the existing university medical services to increase uptake of screening programs offered.