Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Public Health Nurses Regarding Breast and Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Public health nurses have traditionally served as primary health care providers in rural and medically underserved communities. In North Carolina, they play a key role in the delivery of services for the Comprehensive Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To better understand their knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices regarding breast and cervical cancer, a survey was developed to assess the public health nurses who worked in the 87 county and district health departments. A 136-item questionnaire was completed by 1,369 public health nurses. The majority of nurses were interested in cancer education and identified this area as an important part of their role in the health department. Their knowledge of current screening guidelines was excellent, although they were less certain of risk factors associated with breast cancer. They reported concerns regarding the lack of follow-up resources and the limited opportunity for cancer education and screening through the health departments.