Level of awareness towards cervical cancer among women attending Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department: A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey in Central India

Dr.Nishi Mitra; Dr.Archana Meravi

Volume : IX, Issue : I, January - 2020

Level of awareness towards cervical cancer among women attending Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department: A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey in Central India

Dr. Nishi Mitra, Dr. Archana Meravi

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer-related mortality among women are mostly due to diagnosis of disease in advanced stage. Knowledge about disease and early screening is the most effective measure for cervical cancer prevention. Lack of awareness, negative attitude, and poor practice about cervical cancer and screening are the major causes to increase the incidence of disease. AIM: The study was designed to assess the level of awareness towards cervical cancer, screening, and prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 400 subjects were enrolled and subjected for interview using pre-validated KAP questionnaire on cervical cancer.Descriptive statistics were used to represent the sociodemographic characteristics and KAP levels. Association of sociodemographic variables with KAP levels is determined using Chi-square test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Most of the respondents had heard about cervical cancer and majority of them had heard from media and peer groups. About two-third women knew symptoms, risk factors, screening methods and preventive measures for cervical cancer. More than half of the women were having positive attitude toward screening. Majority of the population (more than three-fourth) were not practicing cervical cancer screening. Sociodemographic characteristics were strongly associated with KAP levels. CONCLUSION: Although women were having good knowledge, positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening and prevention, still there is a gap to transform it into practice. There is a need for more educational programs to connect identified knowledge slits and upliftment of regular practice of cervical cancer screening.