Differencies in the Level of Knowledge on Cervical Cancer among Health Care Students, Midwives and Patients in Serbia

Background: Level of midwife knowledge is particularly important because of their role in the cervical cancerprevention programme. The aim of this study was to examine differences in the level of knowledge among healthcare students, midwives and women in the general population of Serbia. Materials and
Methods: A cross-sectionalapproach was used with health care students of the medical shool, midwives in their practice, and women visitinga chosen general practitioner as respondents.
Results: In comparison with the students and midwives, womenhad lower level of knowledge of causative agents of the cervical cancer, genital warts, HPV types, screening forcervical cancer as well as about the target population for vaccine and its role. Differences in the numbers of rightanswers of respondents were statistically significant (p<0.001). Four or more correct answers were obtained from22.7% women, 35.3% from midwives and 83.8% from students.
Conclusions: Midwives should improve theirown level of knowledge related to preventive practice for cervical cancer, as well as their personal compliancewith recommended practices, in order to be qualified and credible promoters of cervical cancer control amongwomen in Serbia.