Department of Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing, Manipal College Of Nursing, Manipal University, Manipal, India
Cervical cancer is a major health problem in India. The aim of this paper was to find the cervical cancer screening practices among rural Indian women.
This cross- sectional study was carried out in 3 villages of Udupi, India among 407 married women in the aged 221- 65 years. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaires.
The mean age of the women who participated in the study was 43.17 ± 13.43 with the age range from 21- 65 years. It was determined that more than half of the women (68.3%) were Hindu. 37.1% had completed primary school education. Majority of the participants (40%) had monthly income less than 5000 rupees. 98% were living with their spouse. Most of them (77.3%) were married within 18–25 years. Majority of the women belonged to joint family (53.6%). It was found that none of the 407 participants had ever had a Pap test in their lifetime and only 6.1% were aware of the Pap test as a screening modality for cervical cancer. Lack of awareness was cited by more than half of the women as the reason for not undergoing cervical cancer screening.
From this it can be inferred that lack of awareness is a major barrier for not undergoing screening. An organized health education programme focusing on women with the participation of health care workers is sorely needed.
Barriers, Cervical Cancer, Cervical Cancer Screening, Indian Women, Pap Test, Utilization
