Knowledge on human papillomavirus and cervical cancer awareness among women in South India

Abstract

Background: Cervical malignancy is a major health problem threatening women community in the developing countries. Aims: The main objective of this study is to investigate the awareness, knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer (CC) risk factors among women. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, survey was conducted among females aged from 15 to 64 years in Tamil Nadu. It contained questions on sociodemographic data, awareness, knowledge of HPV and CC. Results and Conclusion: Of the 573 participants, only about 19% of women in Tamil Nadu were aware of CC and they know it is the second-most common gynecological cancer found among women in the country. About 14% of women were aware of HPV and HPV vaccine. Merely about 9% recognize that CC can be prevented and 7% say that HPV can be sexually transmitted. This study reveals that there is a low level of awareness and knowledge of HPV, CC among women in Tamil Nadu. The present study indicates the need for government organizations, health-care providers to join hands to educate middle-aged women with low educational status, create social awareness about the disease, its symptoms and reduce the risk of having CC in the population.