Study on Knowledge Regarding Various Aspects of Carcinoma Cervix in Rural Areas of Aligarh

Abstract

Cancer Cervix is the second most common cancer in the world. Cervical cancer is the leading cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in developing countries. Overall, the mortality rates in developing countries are about four times (80-85%) than those in industrialized countries. The aim of this study is to find the knowledge and attitude of cervical cancer among married females of rural areas of Aligarh. The study was a cross sectional study. It was done in July-August, 2019. All the married females were included who gave consent for the study.100 females were included of registered areas of Rural Health and Training Centre, Department of Community Medicine, J.N. Medical College, AMU. Pre-testing of the questionnaire was done on 10 respondents; after which necessary changes were made, and the questionnaire was re-administered. Data entry was done. More than half of the females under study thought vaginal discharge and menstrual irregularity as the main symptoms of cervical cancer. Oral contraceptive pills and multiple sexual partners were considered main risk factors in more than 50 percent of females. Regarding preventive measures, good genital hygiene was known to most of the females under study. Surprisingly, PAP smear was unknown to almost all females under study.