Publication:

Knowledge, attitude and practices about cervical cancer among rural married women: a cross sectional study

Background Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in females worldwide. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice related to cervical cancer and its screening among women of reproductive age group in a rural area of Karnataka and to find the association between socio-demographic characters and knowledge, attitude and practice related to cervical cancer.

Methods A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 200 married women of reproductive age group residing in Javarnahalli, a rural field practice area of AIMS, Karnataka. Data was collected using predesigned, pretested structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four parts to gather information regarding socio-demographic characteristics of participants, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding cervical cancer and its screening. Institutional ethical committee approval and informed consent from study participants were taken.

Results 64% study participants were not aware of the early symptoms of cervical cancer. Around 34.5% had heard of cervical cancer screening. 76.2% women were willing to screened if offered free of cost. But only 9.5% women had ever been screened for cervical cancer.

Conclusions Strategic communication targeting eligible women, universal availability of screening facilities in public health facilities may increase the uptake of cervical screening.