Assessment of knowledge and attitude of cervical cancer among the youths in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh - India

BACKGROUND: India suffers a quarter of the global burden of cervical cancer (CC) but is controllable by taking some precautions. The major issue is the low amount of participation among women in screening and vaccination for disease. The objective of the research is to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding CC among college going students residing in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh-India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 380 subjects whose ages ranged from 15 to 25 and older. The questionnaires were circulated through google forms. The socio-demographic variables and KAP levels are represented by descriptive statistics. The Chi-square test is used to determine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and KAP levels.

RESULTS: Among 380 subjects, 172 (54.7%) are aware of CC, 71% have poor knowledge, and 20% have good knowledge about CC. More than three-fourths of women 374 (98.4%) are not having regular practice towards CC.

CONCLUSION: The awareness about CC is very low in the population, so prevention of CC relies on routine screening, proper vaccination, and treatment. Awareness programs and promoting knowledge about cervical health in social media are required.