KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER AMONG COLLEGE GOING GIRLS

*Dr. Swati Garg, Dr. Aparna Garg and Dr. Rajaat Vohra and Dr. Urvashi Sharma

ABSTRACT

Worldwide cancer cervix is still among the top list of female genital cancers, inspite of the increasing awareness drives and better screening methods. In India, not only the incidence but also the prevalence is high, most of the patients report in advanced stage of the disease, which contribute to the associated higher morbidity. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge and awareness about cancer cervix, amongst college going girls, who have already completed their basic education. Out of total 1604 college going girls, only 44% had ever heard of a disease cancer cervix. Students of science stream (62.2%) and those residing in urban area (68.3%) were more aware, however the family size and income had no effect on their knowledge about the disease. Similar significant findings were obtained related to the knowledge of the risk factors of the disease. 83% in urban population as compared to rural (16.9%), and in science (50.2%) and non-science stream (48.9%). The term "Pap test" has been heard by most of science students (62.1%), as compared to students of non-science stream (42.7%). Knowledge of pap smear was found to have a significant effect by the type of family, Nuclear (62.7%) and Joint (37.2%), and also by the residential area, urban (84.4%) and rural (35.5%). As the study reflected the poor levels of knowledge about the disease and awareness of the risk factors of cancer cervix, even amongst the college going educated girls, it has become imperative to reform the present methods of spreading the awareness about the disease.

Keywords: Cancer cervix, knowledge and awareness, pap smear, screening methods.