Assessment of awareness of cervical cancer and pap smear screening among women of reproductive age group

Background: Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. The present study was conducted to assess awareness of cervical cancer and pap smear screening among women of reproductive age group. Materials & Methods: 90 women age ranged 20-50 years visiting the department pf Obstetrics & Gynecology were selected and a questionnaire was prepared and response was obtained form all. The responses of the study participants were scored as 1 point for a correct response, 0 for no response (don’t know), and – 1 point for an incorrect response. Results: Age group 20-30 years had 35, 31- 40 years had 23 and 41-50 years had 32 patients. Age group 20-30 years had good awareness in 15%, 31-40 years had in 20%, 41-50 years had in 12%. Good awareness was seen in those having none education in 12%, primary in 20% and secondary in 50%. Good awareness in married was seen in 35%, single in 30%, widow in 35% and separated in 40%. Skilled in 45%, unskilled in 25% and semiskilled in 30%. Rural in 15% and urban in 40%. Good awareness was seen in those having socio- economic statusI in 55%, II in 35%, III in 20%, IV in 5% and V in 0. The risk factors identified were weak immunity in 23, use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) in 15, many children in 45, having many sexual partners in 20, smoking in 14 and HPV infection in 19. Conclusion: Women of reproductive age group had inadequate knowledge regarding cervical cancer and pap smear screening