The knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs of selected primary care workers in the Kingston and St. Andrew region with regard to two common reproductive cancers

Prostate and cervical cancers rate highest among the malignancies found in Jamaican adults in the Kingston and St. Andrew region. A Behaviour Risk Factor Survey in 1993 found that 40 percent of women aged 15-49 had never had a Pap smear; anecdotal information suggests that not many adult males utilize available screening services. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted from January to February 1999 among a random sample of selected Primary Care workers attached to the Kingston and St. Andrew Health Department for the purpose of elucidating their knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices concerning these two cancers. The study used a self-administered questionnaire and was carried out from January to February 1999. Area of focus included risk factors and screening tests for the two cancers, the personal practices of the workers and their attitude towards cancer. Qualitative research involving two groups of Primary Care workers was also done. Knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening was generally high among all categories of workers. Knowledge of prostate cancer was lower than that of the cervix with significant differences existing between the categories of staff (p < 0.05). The majority of female workers had high levels of personal screening (by Pap smears) and generally fell within the recommendation of National and Regional guidelines, Screening practices were frequent for all categories of male workers. The workers generally had good attitudes. There is no need for development of guidelines to assist the health providers in their advice to male clients. Evaluation of the methods currently used by Primary Care workers to encourage screening may strengthen their capability and effectiveness in reproductive cancer screening.(Au)