Sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors of cervical cancer in a selected rural community of Kerala.

Dr. Jisa George T; Dr. Kiran Batra

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

Sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors of cervical cancer in a selected rural community of Kerala.

Dr. Jisa George T, Dr. Kiran Batra

Abstract :

Background: Cervical cancer is a major public health problem and is the leading cause of death worldwide, especially in developing countries like India. The burden of the cervical cancer in India is enormous and it accounts for significant mortality and morbidity. Objectives: Aim of the study was to assess various sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors of cervical cancer among rural women. Materials & Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in selected tribal settlements of Idukki district of Kerala, India from April 2015 to September 2015. 430 married women in the age group of 30– 60 years were selected by multistage cluster sampling. Sociodemographic details and risk factors of cervical cancer were assessed using demographic data sheet and risk assessment questionnaire. Results: More than half of the subjects, 246 (57.2%) were in the age group of 30–40 years. Lowest proportion of subjects (13.5%) belonged to the age group of 50– 60 years of age. Majority 383 (89.1%) were Hindus and 74.2% belonged to nuclear family. Study findings revealed that various risk factors of cervical cancer were prevalent in the study population. Risk factors like early onset sexual intercourse below the age of 18 years, early pregnancy and childbirth, multiparity, and prolonged use of oral contraceptives was 46%, 24.7%, 51.2% and 35.1% respectively. Conclusion: Significant proportion of the studied women had various risk factors of cervical cancer. So screening measures for early detection should be focussed to the high risk group to reduce disease related mortality and morbidity.