Knowledge, attitude, and practice about cervical cancer and its screening among community healthcare workers of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Context: Cervical cancer is most common type of cancer in women of rural India. More than 60-70% of cancers are diagnosed in later stages with poor survival rate. Screening helps in early detection of cervical cancer and better survival. Awareness and attitude of women towards cervical cancer screening may determine health-seeking behavior. As per operational framework of cancer screening in India, community health workers will be key mobilizers for encouraging women to undergo cervical cancer screening.

Aim: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of cervical cancer and its screening amongst community health workers of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh.

Settings and design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study was done to assess the socio demographic profile and KAP for cervical cancer and its screening of community health workers. Scoring for awareness and attitude for cervical cancer screening was done.

Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics such as mean±SD, frequency and proportion were used for socio-demographic data and KAP of study population. Determinants of knowledge and practice for screening was determined using Chi-square test. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: We observed that despite of good knowledge and perception less than 10 percent of workers have undergone screening. Significant association was seen between level of knowledge and practice of screening.

Conclusion: It is of utmost importance that narrowing of existing gap between the perception and practice of cervical cancer screening should be initiated through introducing more educational programs for workers and encouraging them to participate in screening campaigns.

Keywords: Attitude; awareness; cancer screening; prevention.