Behavioral and Obstetrical Factors Associated with Self-Reported Cervical Cancer-Related Symptoms Among Women of Childbearing Age in Medan City, Indonesia
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Self-Reported Symptoms,
Primary Care Screening,
Risk Factors,
Vulnerable Women
Main Article Content
Fatwa Imelda
Lawra Lofty Maharaja
Reni Asmara Ariga
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer remains the second most common malignancy among women in Indonesia, driven by late-stage clinical diagnoses. This cross-sectional correlational study investigated the relationship between behavioral-obstetrical risk profiles and the early manifestation of self-perceived cervical cancer symptoms among women in vulnerable reproductive groups at the primary care level.
Aims: This study aimed to analyze the association between behavioral-obstetrical risk profiles and self-reported cervical cancer symptoms among women of childbearing age (15–49 years) at the primary healthcare level.
Methods: A consecutive sample of 108 women of childbearing age completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire assessing behavioral–obstetrical risk factors and a 10-item cervical cancer symptom checklist at UPTD Puskesmas PB Selayang II, Medan, Indonesia.
Results: Self-reported symptoms were identified in 59.3% of respondents, predominantly systemic fatigue (50.0%), lower back pain (37.96%), and pelvic pain (25.93%), while late-stage signs were completely absent.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate a significant cross-sectional association between specific behavioral-obstetrical profiles and self-reported cervical cancer-related symptoms among women accessing primary care. Because symptoms were self-reported and unconfirmed by clinical or cytological diagnostic tests, universal screening remains essential to distinguish subjective reproductive complaints from actual cervical pathology.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fatwa Imelda, Lawra Lofty Maharaja, Reni Asmara Ariga
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