Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare providers on cervical cancer, human papilloma virus and it’s vaccine at ESI PGIMSR, MGM Hospital Parel Mumbai, India

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in females Worldwide and nearly 85% of the cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in developing countries. The health care providers can play an important role in promoting cervical cancer screening and knowledge about HPV vaccination. So this study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination and to analyze the factors influencing the knowledge about HPV vaccination, among nursing staff.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 nurses and 75nursing students (total 218) at ESIPGIMSR MGM Hospital, Parel Mumbai. Data was collected using Questionnaire, designed based on the study objectives.Results: 73 (33.49%) of the nurses did received education on cervical cancer and HPV in the past. Most of the nurses, 184 (84.4%) considered that they were at no risk of cervical cancer. 143 (65.60%) nurses knew that Pap smear can be done to screen patients. Out of 141 married nurses, only 39 (27.28%) regularly had a gynaecological examination and 105 (74.47%) had never done Pap smear. In addition, 119 (54.59%) participants did not know at what age Pap smear should commence. Only 73 (33.49%) nurses knew about the route of transmission of HPV and 57 (26.15%) knew about HPV vaccine. 215 (98.62%) nurses did not receive an HPV vaccine.Conclusions: The nurses and nursing students did not have prior adequate education on cervical cancer, HPV, and vaccine and the desired level of knowledge on risk factors and signs of cervical cancer and prevention of the disease.