Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Prevention Among Women in the Asir Region, Saudi Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Geetha Kandasamy^1*Khalid Orayj¹Eman Shorog¹Asma M Alshahrani²Tahani Alanazi¹Hanan Saleh^1,2

• ¹King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
• ²College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Al-Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia

Background: Cervical cancer, primarily caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is a rising public health concern in Saudi Arabia. Despite available vaccination and screening programs, awareness and acceptance remain low, particularly among women in the Asir region. This study assessed their knowledge and attitudes toward HPV and cervical cancer prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 among women aged 18 and older in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitudes (p < 0.05). Results: Among the 523 participants, 66% demonstrated good knowledge of Human Papillomavirus and cervical cancer prevention, while 56% had positive attitudes. Awareness of Human Papillomavirus and the Human Papillomavirus vaccine was observed in 62.1% and 54% of women, respectively, while knowledge of screening tests remained limited at 32.7%. Only 21% of women reported being vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus. The main barriers discouraging women from practicing Pap tests were discomfort (65.4%) and lack of knowledge (63.7%). Factors significantly associated with lower odds of having good knowledge (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR) included older age (41–50 years: AOR = 0.479, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.239–0.961; 51–60 years: AOR = 0.239, 95% CI: 0.113–0.505; >60 years: AOR = 0.127, 95% CI: 0.022–0.724), lower education (secondary school: AOR = 0.483, 95% CI: 0.305–0.764), and unmarried status (single: AOR = 0.562, 95% CI: 0.327–0.965; divorced/widowed: AOR = 0.413, 95% CI: 0.218–0.784). Negative attitudes were more prevalent among older women (41–50 years: AOR = 0.327, 95% CI: 0.170–0.629; 51–60 years: AOR = 0.272, 95% CI: 0.130–0.570; >60 years: AOR = 0.102, 95% CI: 0.012–0.876). Conclusion: Women in the Asir region showed good knowledge and positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention, but screening awareness and vaccine uptake were low. Older, less educated, and unmarried women had poorer knowledge and attitudes. Targeted education and improved healthcare access are needed to enhance awareness, screening, and vaccination.