IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS e-ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Volume 6, Issue 1 Ver. VIII (Jan. - Feb. 2017), PP 81-87 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/1959-0601088187 www.iosrjournals.org 81 | Page Assessment of Teachers' Knowledge Related to Cervical Cancer at Secondary Schools in Baghdad City *Sarah Abd Hlhussen, M. Sc. **Prof. Dr. Iqbal Majeed Abbas, PhD * Maternal & Neonate Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Baghdad, Iraq. * * Professor, Maternal and Neonate Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Baghdad, Iraq Abstract: Back ground: cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. Cervical cancer if detected early is one of the most preventable cancers because of its slow progression, cytological identifiable precursors, and effective treatments. It is important to be aware teachers of the facts about cervical cancer and especially of screening techniques which can be utilized in low-resource settings Objectives: To assess knowledge among study sample related to cervical cancer and find out relationship between teacher's knowledge and studied variables. Methodology: Non- experimental (descriptive design) was conducted at secondary school in Baghdad city among teacher on A non-probability (purposive sample) of (N=80) women. This study started from 27 May to 27 June 2016. The data were collected through the questionnaire, which consists of two parts (A) Socio-demo- graphic and reproductive data, (B) knowledge items (52) related cervical cancer which are measured by dichotomous scale (Yes and No) and rated as follow: No= 1 and Yes= 2, so the cutoff point = 1.5. Content validity for the instrument was determined through the use of panel experts to investigate the clarity, relevancy, and adequacy of the questionnaire in order to achieve the present study’s objectives. The internal consistency of the instrument was determined through the pilot study and the computation of Alpha Correlation Coefficient (Cronbach's Alpha). The result of the reliability was statistically adequate. All teachers are interviewed, and each one was given a time period between (15-20) minutes to answer the questions. The data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (20.0), a descriptive and inferential statistics applications were used for the analysis of data. Results: The study shows that the highest percentage (37.5%) their age was ranged between (21-30) years. The highest percentages (85%) were from urban area. The highest percentage (85%) was married. The highest percentage (80%) was graduated from college. The highest percentage (67.5%) had enough in some extend their economic status. The highest percentage (60%) had 2-4 pregnancies. The highest percentage (52.5%) had (2-4) parity. And the items of knowledge related to cervical cancer shows that below cut-of –point (1.5) for all items indicated that the teachers have inadequate knowledge toward cervical cancer. The study shows that teachers' knowledge is associated significantly with residence and their husband's level of education at p-value ≤ 0.05. And there are high significant association between teachers' knowledge and their number of gravida, number of para, and place of previous delivery at p-value ≤ 0.001. Number of abortion also shows significant association with teachers' knowledge at p-value ≤ 0.01, while there is no significant association between teachers' knowledge with remaining variables. Conclusion: The study was concluded that most of the items of knowledge related to cervical cancer below cut- of-point(1.5) . Recommendations: Increase women awareness of cervical cancer through mass media. Establish a lectures or courses to raise awareness of teacher's at secondary school about cervical cancer. Keywords: Cervical cancer, Secondary Schools, Teachers' knowledge I. Introduction Cervical cancer is as a result of Human Papillomavirus which is transmitted through sexual intercourse, in most cases the male is a career of the papilloma virus that infects and generates in females. Despite risks of the HPV virus both males and females are hardly aware of the virus and the risks it carries (1) . Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers because of its slow progression, cytologically identifiable precursors, and effective treatments. Therefore, the key to reducing Cancer morbidity and mortality is the early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. Through Screening, women with asymptomatic pre-invasive lesions can be identified and the progress can be halted. Papanicolaou (Pap) test also known as cervical cytology screening has helped to reduce cervical cancer rates dramatically through detect ion of premalignant lesions (2) . Cancer fatalism has continued to increase among especially young women, this is the belief that women have had that diagnosis of cancer directly translates to inevitable death therefore they find it better to avoid going for screening and are with no knowledge related to their health . Education and Knowledge on both breast cancer