CERVICAL CANCER AND ITS SCREENING: KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES OF SCREENING AND VACCINATION AMONG SELECTED WOMEN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN HOSPITALS OF KOLKATA, INDIA

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a major killer among women in less developed countries. It is a preventable disease if screened regularly and women are vaccinated. But late detection leads to poor outcomes and morbidity. The objective was to assess knowledge about Cervical cancer and its practices of screening and vaccination among women health care professionals. Methods: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey carried out through an online questionnaire among women healthcare professionals of 21-65 years in various hospitals in Kolkata city, India. Results: 72% (203) Participants had good knowledge, 19%(54) have moderate and 9%(25) had poor knowledge about Cervical cancer, its screening tests, and high-risk factors. Only 34(12.4%) had been completely vaccinated against Human papillomavirus (HPV). Also, 189(67%) women in this group never had a Papanicolaou (PAP) test. Conclusion: Most of the women had good knowledge about Cervical cancer, practices of screening and vaccination, but had not undergone screening or vaccination. A positive uptake towards Cervical cancer screening and vaccination protocols for themselves shall help them in better health promotion towards their clientele. More emphasis needs to be paid to disseminating health information and the importance of screening and vaccination. We need to recognize the need to include the HPV vaccine in the National Immunization Schedule. HPV vaccination and HPV-based PAP screening have the potential to reduce Cervical cancer incidence in the coming decades if implemented on a global basis.