Knowledge and Attitude Among Para-Medical and Non-Medical Staff in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital on Cervical Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer and also the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. To improve the participation of women in the cancer screening program.Materials and methods:This Questionnaire based observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care teaching hospital. These individuals working in the hospital are in constant access to health-related information and are a bridge between the health care and society.The subjects were asked to fill a pre-planned questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic enquiries and twenty questions regarding knowledge and attitude about cervical cancer screening and diagnosis. A verbal questionnaire was read out to subjects who were unable to comprehend the question and then responses were recorded verbatim immediately.The responses were analysed using descriptive analysis regarding their knowledge and attitude about cervical cancer, its associated problem, its screening and diagnosis.Conclusion: It is also alarming that a very small proportion of the participants had correct information regarding the age group and the sex to be vaccinated. The results of our study demonstrate a need for increased awareness of Human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine to increase vaccine uptake rates. Continuing medical education programs for health professionals; doctors and nursing staff should be conducted at the hospital level to spread knowledge about cervical cancer prevention.