STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING SCREENING AND PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER WITH PAP SMEAR AND HPV VACCINATION AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AT LOK NAYAK HOSPITAL DELHI

Preeti Singh*, Rakshitha Yadav M., Sarah Navid Mirza, Ankita Ashok Bagade, Shalini Shakarwal and Latika Sahu

ABSTRACT

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide occurring most commonly in developing countries like India. HPV virus is the most commonly known causative factor. Health care professionals, as key stakeholders in healthcare delivery, have a critical role in promoting cervical cancer screening and vaccination among women. These two strategies form the crux of reducing the burden of disease in the country. Objective: This study aims to assess this group's knowledge, attitudes, and practices to identify areas that need improvement and intervention. Methods: The research employed a cross-sectional survey design and collected data from a sample of 538 healthcare professionals working in a tertiary healthcare setting in Delhi. A structured questionnaire with 35 items was used to gather information on participants' knowledge about cervical cancer, awareness of HPV vaccination, attitudes towards screening and vaccination, and their own practices in recommending and receiving these interventions. The data was filled in google form and analysed in with SPSS 25 software. An odds radio with a 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Results: Among the 538 respondents, 94.6% were aware of cervical cancer, 65.1% were aware that PAP smear detects cervical cancer, and 58.8% knew that HPV causes cervical cancer.32.7% of the respondents/their relatives had undergone screening for cervical cancer. Only 28.8% were vaccinated. 92.4% were willing for cervical cancer screening and 90.4% were willing to get vaccinated and recommended vaccination for their family members. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into health professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening and prevention through HPV vaccination. This study highlights the need for ongoing education and training programs to improve the same. The findings inform the design of tailored educational programs, healthcare policies, and interventions to enhance healthcare providers' engagement in cervical cancer prevention and reduce the global burden of this disease.

Keywords: PAP Smear, HPV Vaccine, Screening, Cervical Cancer.