ISSN : 2663-2187

Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Cervical Cancer among Adult Women and the Need for Awareness Programs

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Pramod Kumar Adusumilli, Keerthana Venkat V, Ashwin K, Sabari Akilesh, Bhavatharini Sukumaran, Deepalakshmi Mani
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.15.2024.11119-11132

Abstract

Introduction: The majority of occurrences of cervical cancer are preventable with accessibility to the HPV vaccine and early diagnosis through screening. Unfortunately, >95% of women in India have never had a cervical cancer screening, despite the fact that there are preventative measures available. Objective: To assess the degree of knowledge, attitude, and practice about cervical cancer and screening among women attending the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh. Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 650 women aged 18 and above who visited the Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient department at a tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh from October 2019 to March 2020. A prevalidated questionnaire was used to interview study participants. A 15-point scale was employed to test knowledge, and Bloom's cut off points were utilized to define knowledge levels. Women with a positive attitude were defined as those who scored 50% or higher on a Likert scale for eight statements about cervical cancer. The practice was evaluated by obtaining a history of screening and HPV immunization. Results: Only 18.9% of the study participants had heard of cervical cancer, and only 10.6% had moderate or good knowledge of the disease. All of the women who learned about cervical cancer had a positive attitude regarding the disease and its screening. None of the study participants had received HPV vaccine, and only 1.5% had received screening in the previous three years. Socio-demographic factors were shown to be substantially related to knowledge level. Conclusion: Participants in the study had relatively poor knowledge of cervical cancer. Though the attitude was positive, it was not translated into practice.

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