ACCEPTANCE AND OUTCOMES OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN OF NORTH INDIA

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the preventable cancer, still it is fourth leading cause of death of women worldwide and second leading cause of death of women in India. Screening for cervical cancer using high performance test and vaccination against HPV(Human papilloma virus) are recommended by WHO as global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. The very rst indigenous vaccine CERVAVAC is also launched in India in year 2023,however data from nationally representative survey(NFHS-5) showed very low awareness and acceptance of cervical cancer screening among women. Present study is a descriptive cross sectional study done in camp based settings (25-30 women in each camps) from November 2021 to november 2022 at peripheral health centers of Lucknow district of state Uttar Pradesh of North India. Aim of the study was to assess the acceptance and outcomes of cervical cancer screening among ASHA(accredited social health activist) from health centers and women visiting peripheral health centers. Result showed that total 43% women accepted screening(41.4% ASHA, 31.4% women visiting health center). On bivariate analysis education level(p=0.003 ), employment status (p<0.001)and knowledge of cervical cancer(p=0.02) found to be predictors of cervical cancer screening. Liquid based cytology test was carried to screen those who were willing and it was found that as per Bethesda system of classication among those who opted for screening(N=110), 4(3.1%) were having ASCUS (Atypical squamous cells of undetermined signicance), 2(1.5%) had LSIL (low squamous intraepithelial lesions), 4(3.1%) reported to have HSIL (High squamous intraepithelial lesion), 9 (7.7%) had non neoplastic inammation, 93(84.6%) were negative for any neoplastic or non- neoplastic lesion. All Positive screened participants were referred to higher centre for further management.