Awareness and screening practices of cervical cancer among nursing staff working in tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: In India there are an estimated of 1,32,000 new cases and 74,000 deaths each year of cervical cancer. Out of all the female genital tract cancers, it is the only pre­ventable cancer if detected at its early stages. More than one fifth of all new cases are diagnosed in India due to a lack of screening that allows detection of precancerous and early stage cervical cancer. Staff nurses if trained properly, can make aware and screen all the women coming to detect suspicious cases. The present study was carried to assess knowledge regarding cervical cancer, screening procedures and attitude and practices regarding prevention and screening of cervical cancer among nursing staff.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the nursing staff between March to June 2016. A total of 215 nursing staff was enrolled in the study.Results: Majority 75 (34.88%) of the participants were from 41-50 years of age and 147 (67.90%) were married. The majority of the participants received information about cervical cancer and screening from hospital 135 (71.05%) and 40 (21.05%) from the newspaper. Majority of females 68 (35.78%) said HPV infection as major risk factor for cervical cancer. Majority of the females 125 (65.78%) mentioned that discharge p/v is the main symptom. Majority of the participants 66 (38.82%) replied that married Women and sexually active 54 (31.76%) women must be screened.Conclusions: It can be concluded that presently the knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer, as well as its screening process, is satisfactory, but there is a vast scope for improvement.