Background: Data on the knowledge of the general population of
Uzbekistan regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer screening practices are
limited. This study aimed to assess the association between the knowledge and
practice of cervical cancer screening among women in Uzbekistan.
Methods: A baseline survey was conducted with 445 women aged 20–59 years
who visited one of the three health centres of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in December
2020. A questionnaire on the knowledge of HPV infection
and cervical cancer screening practices was administered. The knowledge score,
defined as the sum of the number of correct answers to the knowledge questions
and the prevalence of cervical cancer screening practices, was analysed. The
adjusted relative risk (RR) and low knowledge score (median) of (1) never
screened and (2) not screened within 2 years for each demographic characteristic
were calculated. Results: The median knowledge score was 10. Women who
had been screened for cervical cancer accounted for 63.1% of the patients. Among
them, 64.8% reported that their last cervical cancer screening test was within 2
years. A history of sexually transmitted diseases was associated with a lower
risk of never being screened (adjusted RR = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]
0.24, 0.78) and no screening within 2 years (0.54, 95% CI 0.30, 0.99). No
university graduation was associated with a higher risk of not screening within 2
years (1.57, 95% CI 1.00, 2.47). Association between knowledge of HPV status and
screening practices was not observed. Conclusions: Adequate knowledge of
HPV and cervical cancer prevention may be insufficient for cervical cancer
screening practices. This study provides context for the development of effective
cervical cancer prevention strategies.