Assessment of Knowledge Regarding the Risk Factors of Carcinoma Cervix Among Women

Abstract

The study was aimed to assess the knowledge regarding risk factors of carcinoma cervix among women in Puthuppally Panchayat of Kottayam district. The objectives of study was to identify knowledge regarding risk factors of carcinoma cervix among women, to identify percentage of risk factors of carcinoma cervix, to assess the association between knowledge and selected demographic variables. The design selected was non- experimental descriptive survey. Purposive sampling was used. Samples consists of 300 married women more than or equal to 18 years and not attained menopause. The tools used were semi structured interview to collect socio-demographic data, structured questionnaire to assess knowledge regarding risk factors of carcinoma cervix and the presence of risk factors among the study group. Data collected were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that among the samples 67.7% have average knowledge about carcinoma cervix, Among the risk factors low intake of fiber rich foods (90%),frequent intake of non- vegetarian foods(32.7%), dysparaneuia (23.7%), leucorrhoea(21.7%), 73% are not using condoms as a contraceptive method and 7.3% exist as family history of carcinoma cervix in the present study group. There is a strong correlation between certain demographic variables and knowledge level (Significant at p<0.05). The risk factor assessment helps to identify persons who are at risk and initiate them for screening practices. The participants are provided with a pamphlet which helps to know more about preventive aspects of carcinoma cervix.