AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightUsing culturally sensitive Arabic materials and leveraging screening encounters for HPV counseling may improve free screening uptake and reduce cervical cancer mortality in this population.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aims: Cervical cancer remains a major global health problem despite being preventable, with human papillomavirus (HPV) causing 99% of cases. While screening and vaccination have reduced incidence in high-income settings, refugee and migrant women face higher risks due to limited health literacy and language barriers. Methods: Sexually active women aged 18–65 years attending a tertiary obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic were consecutively recruited (n=208). Data were collected face-to-face using a sociodemographic form and an Arabic-translated, culturally reviewed version of the 33-item Waller Human Papillomavirus Knowledge Scale (total Cronbach’s α=0.940). Nonparametric comparisons and multiple linear regression were performed (p 0.05). In regression, Pap smear history (β=0.848; +11.63 points) and Turkish proficiency (β=0.097; +1.21 points) independently predicted knowledge (R²=0.811), whereas age at first pregnancy did not. Conclusion: These findings show a knowledge deficit among Syrian refugee women, worsened by language barriers, indicating that obstetric/gynecologic contacts fail to provide preventive education. Using culturally sensitive Arabic materials and leveraging screening encounters for HPV counseling may improve free screening uptake and reduce cervical cancer mortality in this population.