Healthcare workers` Compliance with Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines: Cross-Sectional Study

Background Cervical cancer has a massive impact worldwide and is ranked as the 13th most frequent cancer among women in Egypt. It can be successfully treated if it is detected early by regular screening. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of healthcare workers regarding cervical cancer screening guidelines and to check the degree of their compliance with those guidelines. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 83 healthcare workers (including physicians and professional nurses) at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, Zagazig University Hospitals, using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude regarding cervical cancer screening guidelines and evaluating barriers and facilitators to compliance with screening guidelines. Results The mean knowledge score of the participants was 65.06 ± 22.41, and the median 75% ranging from 50% to 75%. The mean attitude score of the participants was 22.71 ± 2.6, and the median 23% ranging from 21% to 24%. Lack of awareness was reported by 63.9% to be the main barrier to compliance, while support from management was reported by 80.7% to be the facilitator to compliance with cervical cancer screening guidelines. There was a statistically significant relation between total attitude score and profession (p < 0.05) and a statistically significant relation between total knowledge score and years of experience (p < 0.05). Conclusion Although a wide agreement of recognition of the importance of cervical cancer screening is present, still existing shortage in knowledge and barriers to compliance with guidelines. This highlights the importance of enhancing the knowledge and clarification of cervical cancer screening guidelines among healthcare workers.