Awareness regarding cervical cancer and pap test as a screening tool in females attending primary health centres of rural and tribal areas of south east Rajasthan: An observational study

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer being a major cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries, its awareness is essential. Multiple social barriers in assessing basic screening and treatment are the reasons for posing Indian women at greater risk of developing cancer cervix. The Pap test is a simple and cost effective technique for early diagnosis of cervical cancer but is still underutilized. Aims and objective: To evaluate the knowledge and awareness of symptoms of cervical cancer and the use of pap test as screening tool among females attending PHCs (Primary Health Centers) in rural and tribal communities in the southern east section of Rajasthan, as well as to encourage females regarding routine pap smear tests. Material and method: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted from January 2021 to December 2021 among 500 women attending PHCs in rural and tribal areas of south east rajasthan to determine their knowledge about early symptoms related to cervical cancer and availability of screening test {VIA, VILI and pap smear}. The data was gathered using a structured questionnaire with multiple choice options. Microsoft excel was used to enter the data.