Knowledge and Awareness of Gynaecological Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors Among Libyan Female Teachers in Tripoli: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Recognition of gynaecological cancer warning symptoms, preventive measures, and screening options is relevant to timely healthcare seeking. This study examined reported awareness and knowledge among female schoolteachers in Tripoli, Libya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 Libyan female teachers at seven schools in Tripoli in 2022. A self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire assessed knowledge of gynaecological cancers, warning symptoms, risk factors, and screening. Data were analysed descriptively using SPSS version 25. Eighty participants (40.0%) reported having information about gynaecological tumours; 75 (37.5%) reported knowledge of screening programs, and 58 (29.0%) reported a previous Papanicolaou test. Among listed indications for gynaecological consultation, intermenstrual bleeding (52/200; 26.0%) and postmenopausal bleeding (48/200; 24.0%) were most frequently selected. HPV sexual transmission was acknowledged by 96 (48.0%), while 103 (51.5%) answered affirmatively to a question about HPV vaccination preventing cervical cancer. The most frequently selected symptom for cervical cancer was postmenopausal bleeding (59/200; 29.5%). In this schoolteacher sample, reported awareness of gynaecological cancer screening and selected preventive concepts was limited. The findings identify topics for targeted health education, but do not establish overall knowledge accuracy or predict screening behaviour.