Knowledge and practice regarding prevention of cervical cancer among women attending a tertiary care centre of Tripura.

ABSTRACT

Background: Cervical cancer is the commonest malignancy among women in developing world and is considered to be preventable. Knowledge in this regard and timely screening is crucial for prevention. Methods: This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted during April to May 2014, using a validated interview schedule among a representative sample of 289 women attendees of a tertiary care centre of Tripura chosen by systematic random sampling. Descriptive statistics and χ2 test were used to present data. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cervical cancer was known as preventable by 61.9% women, 59.2% knew multiple sex partners, 42.6% knew early sexual intercourse, 72.7 % knew poor personal hygiene, 26.0% knew it as a familial disease, 16.3% knew that vaccine is available for preventing cervical cancer, 41.2% knew early diagnose is possible, 59.86% knew it as a treatable disease, 31.5% knew surgery as the main mode of treatment, 15.57% have heard about PAP smear test, 10.38 % underwent PAP smear test, lack of medical advice was the commonest reason for not undergoing PAP smear test and media was the main source of information for them. Conclusions: Despite knowing cervical cancer as common among Indian women, knowledge regarding its early diagnostic methods, preventability and treatability is found to be low. Regarding the sources of information, health functionaries played poorer role than media and others. Health functionaries should gear up extensive IEC and BCC activities for making people aware and motivated regarding screening for cervical cancer to minimize preventable deaths in this community.