Awareness about cervical cancer risk factors and its prevention among female healthcare professionals in north India

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer stands as the second most prevalent cancer among women in the reproductive age bracket. According to Globocan 2020, there were 604,100 newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer worldwide, resulting in 341,831 fatalities. In India, there are 436.76 million women aged 15 and older who face the risk of developing cervical cancer. Objective: To explore the basic knowledge of cervical cancer, its risk factors, and preventive measures among female healthcare professionals and medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study among all 205 female healthcare providers comprising of doctors, medical students (1st, 2nd & 3rd-year MBBS), and nurses was conducted at Gautam Buddha Chikitsa Mahavidyalaya, Jhajhra, Dehradun, in December 2023. Google Forms platform was used to conduct the pre-composed online survey. Data was entered and analyzed with SPSS software version 26. Result: A maximum number (141) of participants identified HPV infection as a risk factor for cervical cancer followed by multiple sexual partners (137) while 41.95% of subjects knew about early pregnancy as a risk factor for cervical cancer. Knowledge of risk factors for cervical cancer is highest among doctors followed by nurses and students. 81.95% of participants knew that cervical cancer is preventable and screening helps in the prevention of cervical cancer. Conclusion: Regular upgradation of knowledge of female nursing personnel is crucial since women tend to seek advice from them more often. Similarly, HPV and cervical cancer should be strategically incorporated at the beginning of the medical curriculum.