Table 2 Knowledge and awareness on cervical cancer screening before and after screening education delivery: community-based cancer screening educational program, Laredo, Texas, 2020–2021

Risk factors of cervical cancer (yes vs. no)

 Chances of developing cervical cancer are higher if there is a family history of cervical cancer

131

80.86

140

86.42

0.09

 The human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the major risk factors for cervical cancer

133

85.26

148

94.87

0.003

 Smoking

100

42.19

165

69.62

< 0.0001

 Long term use of oral birth control pills

80

33.76

125

52.74

< 0.0001

 A diet low in fruits and vegetables

62

26.16

132

55.70

< 0.0001

 Being overweight

75

31.65

135

56.96

< 0.0001

Symptoms of cervical cancer (yes vs. no).

 Persistent pelvic/abdominal pain

122

78.71

135

87.10

0.02

 Unusual vaginal discharge that may contain blood

108

72.48

111

74.50

0.61

 Vaginal bleeding after going through menopause

94

59.87

146

92.99

< 0.0001

Prevention of cervical cancer (yes vs. no).

 Using protection during sexual activity can help lower my chances of getting HPV

91

58.71

138

89.03

< 0.0001

 Having an HPV infection means you will get cervical cancer (no vs. yes).

52

34.21

69

45.39

0.03

 Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screening

139

89.68

155

96.77

0.008

Early detection of cervical cancer

 Cervical cancer screening is recommended only for women who have symptoms (no vs. yes).

135

83.85

137

85.09

0.67

 Should have a Pap test every 3 years at ages 21–29 (yes vs. no)

77

32.49

86

36.29

0.20

 The Pap test together with the HPV test should be performed every 5 years starting at age 30 (yes vs. no).

103

66.03

117

75.00

0.04