Early Detection Education on Pap Smear and VIA Test to Improve Cervical Cancer Awareness in Sukaraja District, Bandung City

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem among women and can be prevented through early detection using the visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) test and Pap smear. Low awareness and limited knowledge are important barriers to screening participation. This community service activity aimed to improve the knowledge of parents and teachers of TKQ Fathussalam Al Mubaarok regarding cervical cancer and early detection through VIA test and Pap smear. A community-based health education activity with a one-group pre-test and post-test evaluation was conducted in Sukaraja District, Cicendo Village, Bandung City, on October 15, 2025. A total of 115 participants were included. Knowledge was measured using a structured questionnaire before and after education. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequency and percentage distributions. Before education, most participants had fair knowledge (54 participants; 46.96%), followed by poor knowledge (43 participants; 37.39%) and good knowledge (18 participants; 15.65%). After education, the proportion of participants with good knowledge increased to 63 participants (54.78%), while poor knowledge decreased to 8 participants (6.96%). Health education on cervical cancer, VIA test, and Pap smear improved participants’ knowledge. Continuous reproductive health education and referral support for cervical cancer screening are recommended to encourage early detection behavior among women in the community.