Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
  • Year: 2019
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue: 3

A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention among Women in Rural Areas in Trichy

  • Author:
  • S. Shankar1,, V. Raghuram2, Elango3, S Sowndarya4, R R Sharumathi4, P Sasirekha4
  • Total Page Count: 4
  • Page Number: 99 to 102

1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Chennai Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

2Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Chennai Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

3Professor & HOD, Department of Community Medicine, Chennai Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

4Intern, Department of Community Medicine, Chennai Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Shankar. S, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Chennai Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Trichy, Email: drshankarcmchrc@gmail.com

Online published on 20 March, 2019.

Abstract

Most of the cervical cancer cases are diagnosed late leading to poor outcomes. Very few studies have explored the awareness, screening and prevention among women in reproductive and peri-menopausal age group about cervical cancer in India. Hence this study was conducted with the objective of knowing the knowledge of women about cervical cancer, its risk factors & preventive measures.

A primary health center based Cross-sectional Study was conducted among the women attending the outpatient department of PHC in Pullampadi and RHTC in Sangaenthi in Trichy district during the period December 2017 to February 2018. A total of 300 study subjects were included in the study. A Pre-tested, semi structured questionnaire was developed and it was administered to women in language of their preference. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v. 15.

A majority 68% of women had poor knowledge about cervical cancer and its screening. None of the study subjects had undergone screening or had been vaccinated. Whatever little knowledge the women had was obtained from mass media.

Majority of women had poor knowledge. Mass media could be used to educate the women. There is a need to conduct community based study to know the practices of doctors and asses if they are educating and offering suggestions for screening.

Keywords

Cervical cancer, knowledge, screening, Vaccination, Symptoms