Knowledge and preventive practices of cancer cervix among women: A cross sectional survey

Mrs. Praveena U; Mrs. Malathi D

Volume : V, Issue : II, February - 2016

Knowledge and preventive practices of cancer cervix among women: A cross sectional survey

Mrs. Praveena U, Mrs. Malathi D

Abstract :

 A descriptive study was conducted to assess the knowledge and preventive practices of cancer cervix among women residing in a rural Panchayath, Trivandrum. Random sampling technique was adopted to recruit 200 women between thirty to fifty years of age group. The tool used for data collection consisted of socio demographic performa, structured questionnaire and checklist to assess the knowledge and preventive practices respectively. Results showed that majority (73.5 %) of women having poor knowledge regarding cancer cervix. Majority 97.5% of women had never done Pap smear test. The association between knowledge of women with age, education and occupation (p < 0.001) and mass media (p < 0.01) is statistically significant. The association between menstrual hygiene of women with age, education (p < 0.001) and occupation (p < 0.01) is statistically significant. The association between sexual hygiene of women with age is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The study concluded that majority of the women have poor knowledge and improper preventive practices. Majority of the women never underwent Pap smear test due to the lack of knowledge. So it is crucial to be educated the women regarding the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.