Knowledge and practice of cervical cancer screening in general population and medical personnel: A gap to be bridged

Background: Carcinoma cervix is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Early diagnosis is quite beneficial as it has a long precancerous state. It is important to have a knowledge regarding the natural course of the disease and the screening methods. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice among women attending the outpatient department (OPD) and medical personnel. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 240 women, out of which 120 women were taken randomly from the OPD and 120 women were the medical personnel (doctors and nurses) of the hospital. After obtaining written informed consent from the women, a structured questionnaire was administered to collect the information. Results: The knowledge and awareness of carcinoma cervix and its screening was 32.5% in the women of general population and 100% in the medical personnel, whereas the percentage of women undergoing the actual screening was 25% in general population and 17.5% in medical personnel. The hindrance of practice in general population was lack of knowledge, but in medical personnel, it was due to hesitation, embarrassment, lack of time, and lack of positive motivation. Conclusion: There was a wide discrepancy in the knowledge of cervical cancer and the actual screening practices, not only in the general population but also among the medical personnel. To bridge this gap, effective information, education and communication strategies are required in both the groups to alleviate the morbidity and mortality of this grim disease.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

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