RESUMO
Background: Awareness of risk factors is not at the desired levels among the women in the age group of 15-49 years. The level of awareness regarding identification of risk factors, symptoms of disease, the importance of early treatment which are important for control and prevention of disease. The present study is conducted in urban and rural areas in and around Kurnool district with the intention to know the level of awareness present and to measure the prevalence of risk factors for occurrence of cervical cancer. Methods: A total of 1400 women (700 urban and 700 rural women) in the reproductive age group of 15 – 49 years were interviewed at their residence. Interview done by investigator, during interview study pattern was explained to study population, later the data was collected. Results: Prevalence of two or more life time sexual partners was found to be high (4.2%) among rural women compared to urban women (1.33%). Prevalence of poor genital hygiene was 37.42% in rural women as compared to 8.28% in urban women. Prevalence of RTI among women of rural area was 34.57% and in urban area was 12.58%. History of husband having STI was more in rural areas (18%) when compared to urban area (14%). Status of screening by Pap smear was significantly high in urban (5.14%) than in rural (1.72%) population. Conclusion: Health care worker should be trained to identify and prevent risk factors causing cancer cervix in both urban and rural areas.