Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Cervical Cancer and its Prevention among Reproductive Age Woman

Abstract

Context: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women aged 15-44 years. Unfortunately, despite the evidence of methods for prevention, most of the women remain unaware. The studies have shown that women had lack of knowledge regarding risk factors, symptoms and prevention of cervical cancer. This study attempts to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to cervical cancer and its prevention among reproductive age woman. Settings and Design: A descriptive Cross sectional study design was adopted for the present study. The study was conducted at selected PHC area, Bangalore. Materials and Methods: The simple random sampling technique was used. Hundred reproductive age women were recruited for study. Structured knowledge questionnaire, Rating scale and checklist were used to assess knowledge, attitude and practice respectively. The study involved females aged 15 to 45 years and the study excluded antenatal mothers, women diagnosed with cervical cancer and women who had undergone hysterectomy. Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed using Statistical package for the social Sciences software package (Version 23). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the study. Results: The study findings had shown that mean age of respondents was 23±2.56 and majority (60%) of reproductive age group women had Poor knowledge, 23% of the respondents had average knowledge and only17% of them had good knowledge regarding cervical cancer and its prevention. With regard to attitude and practice, majority of respondents had unfavorable attitude (63%) and inadequate practice (76%) regarding cervical cancer and its prevention.\nConclusion: The study concludes that women had suboptimal level of knowledge, unfavorable attitude and inadequate practice regarding cervical cancer and its prevention. There is need for mass education and creation of awareness to prevent cervical cancer. The government should plan activities aiming at prevention of