Effect of planned teaching program on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) in relation to selected aspects of cervical cancer and screening for secondary prevention among women in rural district of Raigad, Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide and in developing countries cervical cancer remains an important health problem. The burden of cancer is still increasing worldwide despite advances for diagnosis and treatment. Epidemiological studies have shown that many cancers may be avoidable. It is widely held that 80–90% of human cancers may be attributable to environmental and lifestyle factors such as tobacco, alcohol, lack of immunization and dietary habits. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitudes and common practices pertaining to cervical cancer and its secondary prevention and the importance of Pap (Papanicolaou) smear test for screening among the women and also to determine the association between knowledge and attitudes scores of women in relation to cervical cancer with the selected demographic variables. Material and Methods: This interventional study imparting planned teaching program to women participants encouraging undergoing Pap smear screening was conducted in Raigad District. General Systems Model was the guiding framework for the study. Proportionate sampling was used to recruit women from villages selected for the study. Results: The number of participants was 950. This study revealed the limited knowledge of Indian women about the susceptibility of cervical cancer, and the necessity of cervical cancer screening among the women. Among the study population, 98.5% had poor knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening. There were significant differences among the women knowledge scores, a change in their attitudes and a change in the practices scores also, which shows that the structured teaching program has been highly effective.