A cross sectional hospital based survey in North India on the knowledge, attitude and practices towards cervical cancer screening among rural women

Abstract

Cervical cancer is second most common cancer in women after breast cancer. India contributes 25% to global burden. Cervical cancer related deaths in India are due to late diagnosis. Knowledge and early screening is most effective method of cervical cancer prevention. Lack of awareness, negative attitude and poor screening are major causes increasing its incidence. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices among the rural population towards cervical cancer screening and prevention. Method: Hospital based cross sectional study of 200 subjects attending the Gynecology OPD in a secondary care hospital enrolled after informed consent. Statistical Analysis: descriptive statistics were used. Results: 78% subjects had heard about cervical cancer. 54% women knew about symptoms and 33% had good knowledge of the risk factors. 60% women knew about screening methods. More than half (52%) had a positive attitude towards screening but only 22% were practicing screening. Conclusion: Women have good knowledge of cervical cancer screening and prevention, still there are many who need education. Women who have knowledge, do not transform it into practice. There is a need for more educational programs for different strata of society for changes.