Increase awareness about cervical cancer and its screening methods

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 7 views

Analysis of Participation of Cervical Cancer Screening with Visual Inspection Methods with Acetic Acid (IVA) in Women of Childbearing Age (WUS) in the Working Area of Berohol Health Center, Bajenis District, Tebing Tinggi City in 2012

Introduction

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects women, particularly in developing countries. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Globocan, nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in developing countries due to the lack of screening to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous stages in the early stages. In North Sumatra, data from the Provincial Health Office showed that in 2011, there were 83 cases of cervical cancer, with the highest proportion in the 45-54 years of age. This highlights the need for effective cervical cancer screening programs to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of this disease.

Background

Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern in many developing countries, including Indonesia. The disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging and reducing the chances of survival. In Indonesia, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with a high mortality rate. The lack of awareness about cervical cancer and its screening methods contributes to the low participation rates in screening programs.

Methodology

This study aimed to analyze the participation of cervical cancer screening with visual inspection methods using acetic acid (IVA) among women of childbearing age (WUS) in the working area of Berohol Health Center, Bajenis District, Tebing Tinggi City. The research population consisted of 336 marriages of fertile women who had been married and received counseling about cervical cancer screening. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents from the population.

Data Analysis

The data analysis was conducted using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methods. The bivariate analysis results showed several predisposing factors related to the participation of cervical cancer screening, including education, work, economic status, knowledge, and attitude. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that work was the variable that contributed to the participation of cervical cancer screening with the IVA method.

Results

The results of the study showed that education, work, economic status, knowledge, and attitude were significant predictors of participation in cervical cancer screening. The multivariate analysis results showed that work was the variable that contributed to the participation of cervical cancer screening with the IVA method. The coefficient B value of -2.57 indicates that women who work have a greater tendency to follow screening compared to those who do not work.

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of promoting cervical cancer screening among women of childbearing age in the working area of Berohol Health Center, Bajenis District, Tebing Tinggi City. The results of the study suggest that education, work, economic status, knowledge, and attitude are significant predictors of participation in cervical cancer screening. The multivariate analysis results showed that work was the variable that contributed to the participation of cervical cancer screening with the IVA method.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the Tebing Tinggi City Health Office and Berohol Puskesmas take steps to increase the promotion of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. Cross-sectoral collaboration and community leaders are also very important to encourage women of childbearing age to participate in cervical cancer screening. For women of childbearing age who are not working, it is recommended to take part in promotional programs regarding cervical cancer and screening using the IVA method in the working area of Berohol Health Center, Bajenis District, Tebing Tinggi City.

Recommendations

Increase awareness about cervical cancer and its screening methods: The Tebing Tinggi City Health Office and Berohol Puskesmas should increase awareness about cervical cancer and its screening methods among women of childbearing age in the working area.
Promote cervical cancer screening: The health office and puskesmas should promote cervical cancer screening among women of childbearing age, particularly those who are working.
Cross-sectoral collaboration: The health office and puskesmas should collaborate with community leaders and other stakeholders to encourage women of childbearing age to participate in cervical cancer screening.
Promotional programs: The health office and puskesmas should provide promotional programs regarding cervical cancer and screening using the IVA method in the working area of Berohol Health Center, Bajenis District, Tebing Tinggi City.

Limitations

This study had several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a simple random sampling technique. The study also relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on exploring the effectiveness of promotional programs regarding cervical cancer and screening using the IVA method in the working area of Berohol Health Center, Bajenis District, Tebing Tinggi City. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify the factors that contribute to the low participation rates in cervical cancer screening among women of childbearing age in the working area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cervical Cancer Screening with Visual Inspection Methods with Acetic Acid (IVA)

Q: What is cervical cancer?

A: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system. It is one of the most common types of cancer that affects women, particularly in developing countries.

Q: What is the significance of cervical cancer screening?

A: Cervical cancer screening is essential to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in the cervix, which can be treated before they become invasive. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer.

Q: What is Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (IVA)?

A: Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (IVA) is a simple and non-invasive screening method that uses a solution of acetic acid to detect abnormal cells on the cervix. The acetic acid solution is applied to the cervix, and the healthcare provider examines the cervix for any abnormal changes.

Q: Who is eligible for cervical cancer screening with IVA?

A: Women of childbearing age (WUS) who are between 25 and 60 years old are eligible for cervical cancer screening with IVA. However, the age range may vary depending on the country and region.

Q: What are the benefits of cervical cancer screening with IVA?

A: The benefits of cervical cancer screening with IVA include:

Early detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous cells
Reduced incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer
Non-invasive and simple screening method
Low cost and accessible

Q: What are the limitations of cervical cancer screening with IVA?

A: The limitations of cervical cancer screening with IVA include:

May not detect all abnormal cells
May not be effective in detecting cancer in its early stages
Requires a skilled healthcare provider to perform the screening

Q: How often should women undergo cervical cancer screening with IVA?

A: Women should undergo cervical cancer screening with IVA every 3-5 years, depending on their age and risk factors.

Q: What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

A: The risk factors for cervical cancer include:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Smoking
Multiple sexual partners
Early age of first sexual intercourse
Low socioeconomic status

Q: How can women reduce their risk of cervical cancer?

A: Women can reduce their risk of cervical cancer by:

Getting vaccinated against HPV
Practicing safe sex
Avoiding smoking
Getting regular cervical cancer screening

Q: What should women do if they have abnormal results from cervical cancer screening with IVA?

A: Women with abnormal results from cervical cancer screening with IVA should:

Follow up with their healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment
Consider undergoing colposcopy or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis
Follow the recommended treatment plan to prevent the progression of the disease.

Q: Where can women get cervical cancer screening with IVA?

A: Women can get cervical cancer screening with IVA at:

Local health clinics
Community health centers
Private hospitals and clinics
Mobile health units

Q: How can women access cervical cancer screening with IVA in their area?

A: Women can access cervical cancer screening with IVA by:

Contacting their local health department or community health center
Asking their healthcare provider for a referral
Searching online for nearby health facilities that offer cervical cancer screening with IVA.