European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ON CERVICAL CANCER AMONG GRADUATING WOMEN IN AND AROUND WARANGAL CITY

Seshi Rekha Nunavath*, Lakshmi Ravalitha Gajjala, Sanjana Kiran Katikala, Priyanka Suram, Dr. Venkatershwar Rao Jupalli and Dr. Shramik M.

ABSTRACT

According to world health organization (WHO) cervical cancer among women in world is fourth most frequent type of cancer and second most frequent among Indian women. Annually lakhs of new cases are being diagnosed mostly in advanced stages. Strikingly India stands 3rd in accounting major cervical cancer deaths. This study was carried out for period of 6 months from June 2017 to November 2017 to assess the perception level of awareness and knowledge among graduating women in and around Warangal city regarding the otrocious disease, cervical cancer and causative virus human papilloma virus (HPV). A descriptive cross sectional study with the aid of self coded questionnaire-based survey was conducted involving 906 graduating respondents of various levels and out of 1050 questionnaires filled by respondents results were drawn from 906 questionnaire forms and rest 144 were excluded due to missing data. Only 31.2% (253) participants were aware of cervical cancer and only 16% of respondents reported HPV as a causative organism. 9.38% respondents were aware of Pap smear as a screening test for cervical cancer and 96 of 906 were aware of vaccination. Statistically results showed that there is significant relation between increasing age, level of education, occupation and living areas in getting aware of cervical cancer. With the study carried out in and around Warangal region a conclusion was drawn that cognizance is necessary for women of Warangal region in filling the serious breach and making them knowledgeable as poor awareness levels were marked.

Keywords: Cervical cancer, Human Papilloma Virus, Pap smear, Warangal.