Publication:

Urban-rural disparities in cervical cancer awareness and reproductive health practices among women in Rajkot, India: a cross-sectional survey study

Background Urban-rural disparities in cervical cancer awareness and reproductive health practices challenge prevention, early detection, and equitable healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income settings. Limited knowledge, sociocultural constraints, and unequal access to services adversely affect women’s health, particularly in rural communities. Understanding these gaps is essential for designing targeted public health interventions. This study compared cervical cancer awareness, contraceptive use, and barriers to healthcare access among urban and rural women in Rajkot, India.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among women from urban and rural Rajkot using structured, pretested questionnaires. Data included sociodemographic characteristics, cervical cancer knowledge, screening awareness, contraceptive practices, and perceived healthcare barriers. Descriptive analysis and chi-square tests assessed statistically significant differences between urban and rural groups, with p<0.05.

Results Marked sociodemographic differences existed between groups. Urban women had higher educational attainment, including bachelor’s degrees (χ2=10.90, p=0.0043), while rural women were largely employed in agriculture (χ2=67.96, p<0.0001). Modern contraceptive use was significantly lower among rural women (χ2=101.25, p<0.0001). Awareness of cervical cancer and screening methods was substantially higher among urban women (p <10-14). Screening barriers differed, with urban women reporting privacy concerns, whereas rural women faced transportation and cost constraints.

Conclusions Pronounced urban-rural disparities in cervical cancer awareness, contraceptive use, education, and healthcare access persist among women in Rajkot. Tailored, context-specific public health strategies are needed to improve awareness, reduce structural barriers, and strengthen preventive and reproductive healthcare services for rural populations.