Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer
In the early nineties when revolution was occurring in health care system throughout
the world, India was facing a lot of deaths due to communicable diseases. However after
independence, the Government of India took lot of measures to improve the life expectancy
of Indian population, these measures gave fruitful results by showing a massive control in
mortality due to communicable diseases. World Health Report (1999) gives the main causes
and injuries (10 %).1 This revealed the decrease in death rate and the better improvement of
quantity and quality health services in India. A report from united nation world population
2005-2010. It is estimated that life expectancy of the Indian population will increase to 70
years by 2021–25. In modern era where urbanization, industrialization, life style changes
and population growth etc are influencing the disease pattern, we can see a paradigm shift
Cancer prevalence in India is estimated to be around 2.5 million, with over 8,00,000
new cases and 5,50,000 deaths occurring each year due to this disease. 3 The last fifty years
have seen an exploration in our understanding of this most fundamental of diseases, and
new discoveries are occurring on an almost weekly basis. A trend analysis of the data on
cancer incidence for the period 1975-2008 has demonstrated that the overall occurrence of
1
cancer is increasing among females. The greatest increase among females was for cancer of
Cervical cancer is a devastating disease for women around the world. Nearly
500,000 women suffer from the disease and more than 270,000 die each year. Globally,
cervical cancer is the second-most-common cancer among women. It is the leading cause
of female cancer deaths in developing countries, where 80% of cervical cancer cases and
deaths occur. Tragically, this disease strikes women at a relatively young age. Many victims
of cervical cancer die in their early 40s, while they are still contributing to the workforce
and raising children. Over the past 50 years, many developed nations have achieved
success in reducing cervical cancer by routinely screening women with Pap tests. Despite
this progress, even in countries with well-established screening programs, many women
continue to suffer and die from cervical cancer. The situation is direr in developing
countries, many of which lack an infrastructure for cervical cancer screening and treatment.
In these countries, most cases of cervical cancer are undetected, resulting in hundreds of
that 700,000 cases of cervical cancer will occur worldwide in 2020, a 40% increase from
the number of cases in 2002. Over the past decade, dedicated scientists, researchers,
clinicians, frontline health workers, community leaders and advocates have worked
tirelessly to bring the scourge of cervical cancer to the world’s attention and to develop and
apply the necessary knowledge and technologies to reduce the number one cancer killer of
2
Kathmandu, innovative programs have learned how to successfully deliver effective
cervical cancer prevention programs to the women and girls who need them most.5
The pap smear is a primary diagnostic tool for cervical cancer. 1 A pap smear is taken
for early detection of cervical cancer and diagnosis of precancerous and cancerous
condition of the vulva and vagina.2 The inventor of the pap smear is George Nicolas
Papaniclolauo. In 1939 the re-evaluation of the vaginal smear for cancer detection began,
at New York Hospital, all women patients were required to take a routine vaginal smear.
validate the diagnostic potential of the vaginal smear. In 1943, they published their
findings and conclusion in the famous monograph, “Diagnosis of uterine cancer by the
vaginal smear”. The diagnostic procedure was named the “pap test”.3
A Pap test should be performed during the second half of the menstrual cycle (Day
14). Sample collection usually begins with appropriate instruction to the patient. Patients
must abstain from sexual intercourse and avoid using any vaginal medication or
position and the cervix is visualized by means of a speculum. The smaller end of the
Ayer’s spatula is introduced through the external Os and the squamocolumnar junctions
are scraped by rotating the spatula to 360°. The scraping is the evenly spread onto a glass
slide, which is immediately fixed using 95% ethyl alcohol and ether or a cyto spray to
reduce women’s chances of getting cervical cancer. The main strategies are organized
programmes to promote safer sex, anti-smoking, regular pap smear test and healthy diet.5
3
With regular screening tests and follow-up cervical cancer can be prevented. Two
screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer or diagnose it early. The Pap Smear test
looks for precancerous, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if
they are not treated appropriately, the HPV test looks for the virus (human papilloma
Human papilloma virus infection is the main and necessary virus for this cancer. It is
a sexually transmitted virus passed through genital contact. Early marriage, use of oral
other sexually transmitted diseases and poor nutrition have been associated with the
High-risk regions are Eastern and Western Africa (ASR greater then 30 per
100,000), Southern Africa (26.8 per 100,000), South-Central Asia (24.6 per 100,000),
South America and Middle Africa (ASRs 23.9 and 23.0 per 100,000 respectively). Rates
are lowest in Western Asia, Northern America and Australia/New Zealand (ASRs less than
6 per 100, 000). Cervical cancer remains the most common cancer in women only in
Eastern Africa, South-Central Asia and Melanesia. Between 1955 and 1992, cervical cancer
mortality in the United States declined by nearly 70% and rates continue to drop by about
3% each year. In low- and middle-income countries, similar success has not yet been
achieved. The disease continues to grow, fanned by gains in life expectancy and population
growth. By 2030, cervical cancer is expected to kill over 474,000 women per year and over
95% of these deaths are expected to be in low- and middle-income countries. India has a
population of 366.58millions women ages 18 years and older who are at risk of developing
4
cervical cancer. Current estimates indicate that every year 134420 women are diagnosed
This shows that in spite of lot s of effort put by health care sector still there is lack
of knowledge and awareness regarding cervical cancer among women in our country. This
outlook provoked me to take a glance in our society’s female awareness and attitude
regarding cervical cancer and what all measures can be implemented to shake the hands
with the experts who are constantly lending their support and encouragement to have a
“You'll come to learn a great deal if you study the Insignificant in depth”
One out of every five women in the world suffering from this disease belongs to
India. It is estimated that there were 112,609 new Cervical Cancers in 2004 and this
number is expected to rise to 139,864 in 2015 10. Cervical cancer ranks as the 1st most
frequent cancer among women in India, and the 1st most frequent cancer among women
between 18 and 44 years of age. About 7.9% of women in the general population are
estimated to harbour cervical HPV infection at a given time, and 82.5% of invasive
A study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that about 1.3
lakh new cases of cervical cancer are reported every year, in India and about a quarter of
the five lakh cases globally. Experts point out that women need to be sensitised to curb
the growth of this disease. “Even the educated class are not aware of cervical cancer and
5
often link it with the neck. We have to explain to them that cervical cancer is caused in
the lower part of the body," says gynaecologist, Sunita Verma. Cancer Research
detection is what we are striving for to deal with cancer. We need to reach out to both
Cancer of the cervix has been the most important cancer in women in India over the
past two decades. It accounted for 16 per cent of all cancers in women in the urban
registries in 2005. Over 70 per cent of the Indian population resides in rural areas;
cervical cancer still constitutes the number one cancer among females. In the hospital
based cancer registries (HBCRs), the leading site for cervical cancer is Bangalore and
Chennai, the second leading site in Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram and the third
having had a diagnosis of cervical cancer in Chennai, Trivandrum and Bangalore it has
been reported that they didn’t receive active treatment9. More than three-fourths of these
patients are diagnosed at advanced stages leading to poor prospects of long-term survival
and cure, despite of health care institutions efforts in introducing lot of screening
programs. Incidences has not decreased especially among poor, rural women, who make
Indian government has introduced a variety of a national health programs and screening
camps in various states in order to fight against the rising numbers of incidence and
6
mortality among women due to cervical cancer. In spite of all these measures the no of
incidences are not coming down rather increasing hence the researcher felt that there is an
eminent need to find out, the women, in selected community posses what level of
understanding about this dreadful disease and how necessary it is to provide information
regarding cancer of cervix and its prevention to women. Hence researcher interested to
assess the knowledge regarding cervical cancer reproductive age group women.
There is a need to promote pap smear test among women by informing them on their
susceptibility to cervical cancer and encouraging a belief that active and regular pap smear
test can detect cervical cancer at the pre-cancerous stage, hence enabling the early
treatment and prevention of cancer development. There is also a need for provision of
affordable screening services all over the country to enable women, after being motivated,
to go for screening.12
The researcher during her clinical exposure came across women who lacked
knowledge regarding Pap smear test and its importance in prevention and detection of
cervical cancer. Hence the researcher felt a great need to assess the knowledge of women in
the age group of 18 to 55 years, since they are the vulnerable group and also educate them
REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
7
The purpose of review of literature is to obtain comprehensive knowledge base and in
A review of literature is an essential aspect of scientific research .it helps the investigators
to establish support for the need for the study, select research design, developing tools
and data collection technique the review of literatures is classified under following
headings.
treatment for abnormalities and HPV. Four Hundred women returned completed
knowledge questionnaires of cervical cancer were good but risk factors for cervical
cancer were not well known. Awareness and knowledge of HPV was very limited. It is
An exploratory study was conducted in Australia among 140 females from Sydney
University regarding social and psychological impact of HPV in cervical screening among
females aged 18-45 years (mean 19yrs, SD 3.3yrs) using purposive sampling. The results
were revealed as 25.7% of students reported “having ever heard of HPV”, compared to the
89.3% who reported “having ever heard of genital warts”. When asked whether HPV
8
infection is the main cause of cervical cancer, 11.6% said yes, 5.8% said no, and 82.6%
said they didn’t know. The study was concluded with saying that there is low awareness of
HPV per se and low awareness of the link between HPV and cervical cancer.10
women’s current knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to HPV, the HPV vaccine,
cervical screening and cervical cancer. A sample of 1000 women was surveyed via
telephone plus five focus groups (young, older, Iraqi, TAFE, nurses). the results concluded
with a view that all participants were having positive attitude about cervical screening and
the vaccine.10
An exploratory research design was adopted to assess the knowledge and practice
regarding cervical cancer among 100 married women between the ages 20 -60 years at
Indore (M.P) using purposive sampling. The investigator used a structured questionnaire of
9 items to assess the knowledge regarding early diagnosis and prevention of cervical
cancer. Reliability was calculated using split half method and the 'r' value was 0.8. The
findings revealed that all of the subjects 100(100%) had no knowledge regarding early
diagnosis and prevention of cervical cancer, 86(86%) of the subjects were at low risk for
cervical cancer, 14(14%) of them are at moderate risk for developing cervical cancer.
Hence the conclusion was made by saying that there is a need to create public awareness
regarding the benefits provided by the government through various health schemes and all
government hospitals must make these schemes available to the population. Nurses should
also be trained through in-service education to spread the health awareness to the
9
A study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of women about pap
smear testing among 332 married women in Turkey. Data was collected through printed
questionnaire. The result revealed that over 90% of the study group had never heard of and
had not undergone Pap smear screening before. Of the 332 smears evaluated, 328 (98.8%)
were accepted as normal, whereas epithelial cell anomalies were seen in 4 (1.2%), infection
in 59 (17.7%), and reactive cell differences in 223 (67.2%) of the smears. The researcher
concluded that the knowledge regarding Pap smear screening was 10% and suggested Pap
smears can be easily taken and evaluated through a chain built between the primary health
care unit and laboratory, and this kind of screening intervention is easily accepted by the
population served.13
A descriptive study was conducted to determine the knowledge and the status of the
pap smear test among the nurse/midwives working in the gynaecologic / obstetric clinics of
three big hospitals located in the central city of Ankara. The data collected through
questionnaire were evaluated by means of the package software SPSS as well as decimal
number and Chi-square tests. The study revealed that the nurse/midwives had not enough
knowledge on PST, of whom 58.1% had got no PST, while a portion of 71.5%of those who
had already underwent a PST failed in getting regular tests, and a portion of 73.5% had got
noon-job training on the gynaecological cancers, and a portion of 66.7% of the trained ones
had not any knowledge in respect of PST. It was determined that there was a significant
statistical difference in the level of knowledge on PST in terms of on-job training in respect
A study was conducted in Delhi on the awareness level and usage of pap smear
among medical personnel. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and data
10
analysed using Epi info software package. The results showed that the level of awareness
about Pap smear was poor among nurses (33%), graduate medical students (35.4%) and
post graduate residents (24.2%). A very low usage of Pap test in the sample group (19.7%)
was revealed. 58.5 % of the respondents answered that it’s not the ideal time to get the test
done though they fall in the eligible age group. Only (44%) of the medicos have ever asked
their family members to get the test done. The study concluded that the awareness and
usage of Pap smear among medical personnel was very low. Thus the researcher strongly
suggested the need for starting awareness campaigns and training programmes for medical
A study was conducted, to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice related
to prevention of cervical cancer among (205) female health workers. The study report
showed that doctors had high level of knowledge, surprisingly inadequate among the
nurses, predictably low among hospital maids. However 93.2% of respondents have
never had pap smear performed. The poor utilization of the test was independent of
respondent’s profession, marital status and hospital. The study was concluded with the
saying that there is a need to intensify campaign towards prevention of cervical cancer
assumption of cervical cancer by women living in Maroua, the capital of the Far North
Province of Cameroon. It was a single center study. In a 1-month period, 171 women
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cervical cancer, its prevention, and their attitudes toward cervical cancer. Of 171
women, 48 (28%) had prior knowledge of cervical cancer; they were classified as the
"aware group" compared with 123 of 171 (72%) women who were uninformed about
cervical cancer and they were classified as the "unaware group" (UG). The UG of
women tended to be single mothers, illiterate, housewives, and had their first child
before the age of 20 (p < 0.005). Despite the awareness of cervical cancer by 28% of
test. Only 71 of 171 (41.5%) women stated that they would be having a screening test
inadequate. Thus they concluded that, to avoid deaths from cervical cancer, a curable
attitude related to Pap tests including HPV. A convenient sampling method was used on 57
female. Out of them, five groups were with women aged 15 to 23 years, and five with
women aged 25 to 44 years. The result says that women of all ages lacked knowledge about
HPV and its association with cervical cancer. The study was concluded with the fact that all
ages lacked knowledge of HPV and its connection to cervical cancer, which could be
teaching hospitals in Karachi regarding knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer
among 400 female interns and nursing staff. Convenience sampling was applied using
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questionnaire method. Of all the interviews conducted, 1.8% did not know cervical
cancer as a disease, 23.3% of the respondents were aware that cervical cancer is the most
common cause of gynaecological cancers and 26% knew it is second in rank in mortality.
78% percent were aware that infection is the most common cause of cervical cancer, of
these 62% said that virus is the cause and 61% of the respondents knew that the virus is
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Majority recognized that it is sexually transmitted but
only a minority (41%) knew that it can be detected by PCR. Only 26% of the study
population was aware of one or more risk factors. This study serves to highlight that the
majority of working health professionals are not adequately equipped with knowledge
on knowledge of women regarding cervical cancer, its detection and control in Pune city.
Evaluative approach was used with Quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design. The
women in the first group were given a pamphlet and the women in the second group were
given a self-instructional module. The findings of the study revealed that women in both
group gained significantly in the post-test. For group one “t” value obtained was 10.27 and
for group two, “t” value obtained was 8.60.The researcher concluded that the use of both
self instructional modules were effective in gaining knowledge regarding cancer of cervix.15
A study was conducted on the role of risk factors in cervical carcinogenesis and
strategies for control of the disease have been assessed from the accumulated cytological
data, derived from 35years of hospital –based screening in Lucknow, North India .A total
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of 36,484 women have been cytological screened during a span of 35years in the
Intraepithelial Lesion) and carcinoma was found to be 7.2% and0 .6%; the study revealed
high age >40(1.3%) and parity 3 and above(0.9%) as a predominant factor in cervical
carcinogenesis. The study also emphasized great value of clinically down staging the
cervical cancer by detecting cervical cancer in the early stage. The study also revealed a
(0.08%) women. Based on the analyzed data researcher concluded that single lifetime
screening which appears to be the most feasible and affordable mode for control of
cancer, their perceived severity of cervical cancer, their perceived benefits of doing cervical
cancer screening and their perceived barriers of seeking cervical cancer screening. The
result showed that Cervical cancer screening rates was 39%. Participants were aware of the
cervical cancer 6 screening (average response 3.10-4.33) and perceived barriers to seeking
cervical cancer screening (average response 2.0-3.44) but these were not significantly
associated with screening. The highest predictor of cervical cancer screening was perceived
susceptibility and those with high perceived susceptibility were 3.2 times more likely to do
cervical cancer screening than those with low perceived susceptibility. Main socio-
14
demographic characteristics significantly associated with perceived susceptibility were
employment, monthly income and residential area while perceived severity was
A study was conducted to Test knowledge of HPV, cervix cancer awareness and
acceptance of HPV vaccination of women now and a year ago among 305 women visiting
regional Hospital Heilig Hart, Tienen, Belgium during two subsequent weeks using
questionnaire method and the result showed Knowledge about HPV as a cause of cervix
cancer and the presence of a vaccine rose from roughly 50% in 2007 to over 80% in 2008
(p < 0.0001). Level of education and having daughters, sons’ or no children no longer
influenced the level of knowledge or willingness to accept the vaccine. Most parents favour
the age group 12–16 years as an ideal time for vaccination. In contrast with the 2007survey,
women below 26 years had now acquired almost equivalent knowledge to older women
about the virus, cervix cancer and the vaccine, but they were far less likely to accept the
north Indian population. The present case control study on married women with cervical
cancer and controls ( 100 each) revealed the association of age at marriage, socioeconomic
status and parity with cervical cancer but young age at marriage (rr 3.79) and low
The study was conducted to assess the number of women taking part in the secondary
15
representative samples of polish women aged over 35 years were compared 58% of women
have awareness of cytological test. 12% of women have yearly visits of cytological test,
cytological test done during last three year by 7%. The lowest level of awareness and the
lowest frequency of using prevention service were declared among women aged over 60,
represented the lowest education level. It is important to continue educational work and
A Study was done on knowledge and awareness regarding cervical cancer screening
and prevention. The study design followed cohort study (n=529) results low health literacy
(<9th grade) was found among 40% of participants minority women were know about pap
test (9% vs 21%;P<.0.3) and were significantly more likely to have low literacy level
compared with white women (46% vs 15%; p<0.05) literacy was the only factor
A study was conducted to identify the barriers to cervical screening, about factors
that may influence screening. Among 97 rural women the aged between 16-66 years and
found that 52% had not received a pap smear within the last two years, 42% had never
received a pap smear. The most frequent reason for not obtaining a Pap smear was anxiety
regarding physical privacy (50%), lack of knowledge (18%) and difficulty accessing health
care (14%) women who had delivered children were significantly more likely to have
received a Pap smear (71%), P<0.05. The responses of many women suggests that
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compliance will cervical cancer screening would be enhanced by addressing cultural
beliefs, encouraging conversation about women’s health issues and increasing the number
of female health care providers. An article explores the negative attitudes some women
have towards the cervical screening programme. These attitudes could ultimately prevent
them from participating in the programme. The native experiences of women who receive a
positive result are also explored. Women’s negative attitudes towards cervical screening
can largely be countered by improving their understanding of the process and diagnosis of
cervical cancer. Women who received a positive smear should be offered support to reduce
their anxiety.
A population-based study was done to find out reasons for women who did not
want to find out reasons for cervical cancer on 430 non-attenders and 514 at tenders of Pap
smear. Report showed, non attendance was positively associated with non use of oral
contraceptive pills, seeing different gynecologists, seeing physicians very often, frequent
use of condom, living in rural or semi rural areas and not knowing the screening test. Socio
economic status and time was not their nonattendance. Another study was done to identify
knowledge, barriers and motivators related to cervical cancer screening with 102 women.
Findings revealed that there was misinformation and lack of knowledge about cervical
cancer. The women therefore confused about the causative factors and preventive strategies
related to cervical cancer. The major structural barriers were economic and time factors
along with language problems. The main psychological barriers were fear, fatalism,
confusion thinking and denial. The barriers to women’s use of cervical screening services
were identified with in 20 women. The study found a high level of awareness of a local
17
cervical screening programme. The specific barriers determined were social problems,
embarrassment, belief in the sacred nature of human sexuality, an anxiety about lack of
confidentiality within small community groups and perceived relationship between cervical
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
A study to assess the knowledge and perceived barriers of cervical cancer screening
variables.
18
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:
system.
Screening : In this study it refers to Pap smear test for detection and prevention of
cervical cancer
Women: In this study, woman refers to females between the age group of 19-55 years
HYPOTHESES:
H1:. There will be a significant association between the knowledge of women with their
personal variables
ASSUMPTION:
4. Gaining knowledge on pap smear test may motivate the women for a better practice.
DELIMITATION:
19
2. Given study, assessed only through structured interview schedule.
RESEARCH APPROACH
The research design selected for this study is Descriptive exploratory survey approach.
VARIABLES
Personal variables: Personal variables included were age, education, religion, income,
marital status, number of children, occupation, age at menarche, and previous exposure to
The study was conducted in selected rural areas of Mysore district (Bamboo
bazar).
POPULATION
The population refers to the entire group of persons or subjects that is having
some common characteristics. In the present study women who are in the age group
20
between 19 to 55 years and residing in a selected urban areas of Mysore comprised the
population.
present study comprised of married women who are in the age group of 19 to 55 years
residing in selected urban areas of Mysore district. In the present study, two hundred (60)
SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the samples for the
study.
The study will be conducted based on following criteria regarding the selection of
sample.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
21
1. Females less than 19 years and more than 55 years.
2. Females who had undergone hysterectomy surgery.
3. Females who are not willing to participate in the study.
Based on the review of literature the following tools were decided to be developed:
Data analysis is the systematic organization and synthesis of research data and
testing of research hypotheses using those data. Data obtained was planned to be coded
and edited to reduce the large data into a master sheet. Both descriptive and inferential
a) Descriptive statistics:
personal variables.
22
Mean, median and standard deviation would be computed to describe and
b) Inferential statistics
RESULTS
Analysis is the process of organizing and synthesizing the data so as to answer research
This chapter deals with the analysis and interpretation of the data collected to to
assess the knowledge and perceived barriers of cervical cancer screening among women
in selected areas of Mysore District. The data were analyzed on the basis of the study
personal variables
23
HYPOTHESES
H1:. There will be a significant association between the knowledge of women with their
ORGANIZATION OF FINDINGS
The findings of the study are organized in terms of the objectives and hypotheses
Section II: Extent of perceived barriers of cervical cancer screening among women
Section III: Association of determinants influencing birth spacing with their selected
personal variables.
24
SECTION I
The study consists of 60 samples. The selected personal variables are described
and analyzed under sub headings of the age, religion, education, spouse education,
occupation, income, age at marriage, age of menarche, number of children, type of family
TABLE 1
variables
n = 200
25
47-55 09 15%
2. Religion
Hindu 49 81.67%
Muslim 05 8.33%
Christian 04 6.67%
Any other 02 3.33%
3. Education
No formal education 20 33.33%
Primary school education 13 21.67%
High school education 13 21.67%
PUC and above 14 23.33%
4. Occupation
House wife 26 43.33%
Coolie 22 36.67%
Employee 12 20%
5. Family income per month
≤5000 17 28.33%
5001-10000 24 40%
>10000 19 31.67%
6. Age at menarche
13 9 15%
14 33 55%
15 18 30%
7. Age at marriage
Below 20 years 29 48.33%
21-25 years 23 38.33%
Above 25 years 8 13.33%
8. Number of children
One 8 10%
Two 36 60%
Three and above 14 23.33%
No children 2 3.33%
26
9. Family history of cervical cancer
Yes 1 1.67%
No 59 98.33%
Source of information
Electronic media 8 47.05%
Family members 1 5.88%
Friends 1 5.88%
Health personal 3 17.65%
Print materials 4 23.53%
AGE:
The data presented in Table1 and Figure 1 shows that the majority of the respondents
24(40%) belong to the age group 29-37 and the least number 9 (15%) of respondents is
from the age group 45-55.
27
Figure 1: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their
age
RELIGION:
The data presented in Table 1 and Figure 2 shows that, maximum subjects 49 (81.67)
subjects were Christian and the remaining 3% of the respondents were from other
religion.
28
Figure 2: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their
religion
EDUCATION:
The data presented in Table1 and Figure 3 depicts that majority of the respondents
20 (33.33%) have not attended any form of formal education and 13 (21.67) of them
have studied further after the matriculation. Some of them, 13 (21.67%) of them have
studied only till primary school.
29
Figure 3: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their
education
OCCUPATION
The data presented in Table 1 and Figure 4 shows that majority 26(43.33%) of the
respondents’ are house wives, 22 (36.67%) and 12(20%) of them were coolie workers and
30
Figure 4: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their
occupation
Table 1 and Figure 5 show that 17(28.33%), of the respondents’ monthly income of the
family is below 5000. While 24 (40%) earn a monthly family income between 5001 and 10,000.
31
Figure 5: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their
family income.
AGE AT MENARCHE
It is evident from Table 1 and Figure 6 that, majority 33 (55%) of the respondents
of them got achieved menarche at the age of 14 and few of the respondents, 9 (15%) got
32
Figure 6: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their
age of menarche.
AGE AT MARRIAGE
respondents of them got married below the age of 20 and few of the respondents, 8
33
Figure 7: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their
age at Marriage.
NUMBER OF CHILDREN
(60%) have two children, and 8 (10%) of the subjects have single child, while the
34
Figure 8: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to the
number of children.
From Table 1 and figure 9, it is evident that 1 (1.67%) respondents has knowledge
family history of cervical cancer and the remaining 59 (98.33%) of them had no history
of cervical cancer.
35
Figure 9: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their
family history of cervical cancer.
From Table 1 and figure 10, it is evident that 17 (28.33%) respondents have
knowledge about birth spacing and the remaining 43 (71.67%) of them had no knowledge
36
Figure 10: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondent’s according to
their knowledge about cervical cancer
SOURCE OF INFORMATION
Table 1 and figure 11, shows that, out of the 17 subjects with previous knowledge of
birth spacing, 8(47.05%) of them acquired knowledge through electronic media, while
family members informed 1 (5.88%) of them about the birth spacing and health
37
professional imparted the knowledge for another 3 (17.65%). Print media helped 4
38
Figure 11: Frequency and percentage distribution of respondent’s
according to source of information on cervical cancer
39
SECTION 2:
Table 2
Level of knowledge f %
poor 34 56.67%
average 24 40%
good 2 3.33%
It is evident from table 2 that majority of the women( 56.67%) had poor knowledge
regarding cervical cancer. Data also revealed that 3.33% women had good knowledge
40
SECTION 3:
Perceived barriers of cervical cancer were assessed through structured interview check
list. The total barriers of cervical cancer screening include 15 in that the barrier which get
highest frequency and percent will be the highest barrier of cervical cancer screening.
Table 3
Sl
no Items f %
1 I don’t know the interval of Pap smear screening test 48 80%
2 I don’t know when the suitable age for a Pap smear 56.67%
examination 34
3 It is unnecessary to go only for a Pap smear 13 21.67%
4 Pap smear test is too expensive 39 65%
5 I feel shy, embarrassed and reluctant during the Pap 57 95%
virgin woman
9 Do not know where to go for a Pap smear test 41 68.33%
10 Partner/ Family member does not allow you to do 53 88.33%
the test
12 I have never received Pap smear test results 12 20%
41
13 I feel hesitant to discuss with health care personnel 37 61.67%
It is evident from table 3 that most influencing barriers of cervical cancer screening is the
shy, embarrassed and reluctant during the Pap smear test(95%) and least barrier of
cervical cancer screening is the never received Pap smear test results (20%). Data also
revealed that( 88.33%) partner/ family member does not allow women to do Pap smear
test.
SECTION 5
Association of determinants influencing birth spacing with their selected personal variables
42
To find out the association of cervical cancer screening among married women with their
selected personal variables, Chi square was computed and to test the statistical significance,
among married women with their selected personal variables viz., age, religion,
TABLE 4
Chi-square values between birth spacing and with their selected personal variables
43
n=200
44
5. Family income per
month
.636
≤5000 13 4 2
5001-10000 20 4
12 7
>10000
6. Age at menarche
13 5 4
14 21 12 2
15 12 6 4.33
7. Age at marriage
Below 20
years 20 9
.018
21-25 years 1
And Above 25 25 6
years
8 . Number of
children
One 7 2
25 11 2 12.37
Two
10 6
Three and
above
9. Knowledge about
cervical cancer
Yes 10 7
1 2.86
No 30 13
Source of
information
Electronic 6 2 2 #16.36*
media 7 2
others
(1) = 3.84, 2 (2) = 5.99, 2 (3) = 7.82, 2 (4) = 9.49, p <0.05, * = Significant
2
# = Yates Correction
45
The data presented in the Table 5 shows that, the computed Chi-square value for association of
knowledge of cervical cancer screening among married mothers with their selected personal
variables is found to be statistically not significant at 0.05 levels of significance except for
mothers education and occupation, and source of information having significant association with
birth spacing at 0.05 level of significance. Hence, the findings partially support the null
hypothesis H02 and the research hypothesis, inferring that determinants influencing birth spacing
among married women are partially influenced by their selected personal variables.
46
CONCLUSION
The main aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and perceived barriers of cervical cancer
screening among married women. Data was collected from 60 women who are in the age group
between 19 to 55 and conceived minimum two times and residing in a selected areas of Mysore.
The findings of the study revealed that, majority of the women( 56.67%) had poor
knowledge regarding cervical cancer. Data also revealed that 3.33% women had good
knowledge regarding cervical cancer. It was also evident that there was no significant
association exists on determinants influencing birth spacing among mothers except for mother’s
education and occupation, and source of information with their selected personal variables.
47
IMPLICATIONS
The findings of the present study have implications for nursing practice, nursing
Nursing Practice
The findings of the study revealed that, women had less knowledge regarding
cervical cancer. Nurses can play a pivotal role in organizing and executing creative
develop positive attitude and increase the practices of cervical cancer screening test to
detect cervical cancer at early stages and decrease mortality related to cervical cancer.
Creative educational programmes and cervical cancer screening camps can be planned
and organized for the women. Every health professional should educate and motivate
Nursing Education
individual. The nursing students should be taught regarding incidence, signs and
symptoms, early detection methods of cervical cancer and demonstrated pap smear
collection procedure during their training so that they can utilize the knowledge in their
48
Also nursing students should be provided with learning experiences in planning
Nursing Administration:
of changes and development in her/his field of specialty. Nurse administrators are the key
personnel. Continuing nursing education programs can be planned and conducted to the
nursing staff regarding the importance of breast cancer screening tests in early detection
of breast cancer and reducing mortality related to breast cancer. Nurse administrators can
plan and organize scheduled breast cancer screening programs for the women in
institutional and community setting. Nurse administrators and leaders should influence
the policy makers to include routine cervical cancer screening camps and programs to the
Nursing Research
The prevalence and incidence of cervical cancer and its complications on health
are high in the present days. This study has attempted to bring out facts related to the
knowledge regarding cervical cancer and perceived barriers of cervical cancer screening
among women. Further research can be undertaken to study the various factors that
influence the practice of regular cervical cancer screening tests. The results of the study
49
also laid further emphasize on early screening strategies to reduce complications of
LIMITATIONS
1. This study adopted non probability non probability purposive sampling; hence the
2. The sample size was limited only to sixty women. Hence it cannot be generalized
to large population.
3. Sample of respondents was selected only from Bamboo bazar UHC. Hence, this
50
RECOMMENDATIONS
Keeping in view the findings of the present study, the following recommendations
were made:
2. A similar study can be conducted in the rural settings to find out the knowledge,
3. A comparative study can be conducted between rural and urban women by using
BIBLIOGRAPHY
3. Dinshaw KA. Rao DN, Ganesh B. Tata Memorial Hospital Cancer Registry
51
4. SEER Cancer Statistics Review. 1975-2008, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda,
2008, Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 10.
6. Progress in Cervical Cancer Prevention: The CCA Report Card South Africa
AUGUST 2011
Centre on HPV and Cervical Cancer (HPV Information Centre). Summary Report
2010.
11. Hariharan V. Knowledge and Practice regarding Cervical Cancer among Married
12. Tbeu PM, Major AL, Rapiti E, Petignat P, Bouchardy C, Sando Z, et al. The
52
13. Rezaei, Baradaran M. Effects of 2 Educational Methods on the Knowledge,
14. Ali SF, Ayub S, Manzoor NF, Azim S, Afif M. 2010 Knowledge and Awareness
about Cervical Cancer and Its Prevention amongst Interns and Nursing Staff in
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0011059
16. Misra JS, Srivastava S, Singh U, Srivastava AN. Risk-factors and strategies for
17. WHO/ICO Information Centre on HPV and Cervical Cancer (HPV Information
18. Donders GGG. Change in knowledge of women about cervix cancer, human
19. Capalash N, Sobti RL. Epidemiology of cervical cancer- a cause control study on
53
21. Lindau ST, Tomori C, Lyons T, Langseth L, Bennett CL, Garicia P. Cervical
186(5):938-43.
SECTION –A
Instructions:
Dear participant,
54
This questionnaire is related to the demographic variables. I am here with requesting you
to answer all the questions. This information will be treated as confidential. Kindly write
down the appropriate information or tick (√) mark for the most appropriate answer in the
Code
1. Age in years.
2. Religion
a) Hindu ( )
b) Muslim ( )
c) Christian ( )
d) Any other ( )
3. Education
a) No formal education ( )
4. Occupation
55
a) House wife ( )
b) Coolie ( )
c) Employee ( )
d) Business ( )
a) Below RS 5000 ( )
b) RS 5001- RS10000 ( )
c) Above RS10000 ( )
6. Age at menarche
7. Age at marriage
a) Below 20 years ( )
b) 21-25 years ( )
c) Above 25 years ( )
8. Number of children
a) One ( )
b) Two ( )
56
d) No children ( )
a) Yes
b) No
a) Yes
b) No
If Yes
a) Electronics media ( )
b) Family members ( )
c) Friends ( )
d) Health personal ( )
e) Print materials ( )
Dear Respondent,
57
Thank you for agreeing to participate in the study. You are requested to go through the
INSTRUCTIONS: Given below are some questions related to cervical cancer. Each
question is having four alternatives from which you have to select one most appropriate
a. Below 20 years
b. 21 – 30 years
c. 31 – 40 years
d. Above 40 years
a.HIV
d. Radiation exposure
4. Which among the following is not a risk factor for cervical cancer?
58
c. Having many sexual partners
d. Smoking
5. A woman is more prone to get cervical cancer if, she is having the history of
c. Multiple pregnancy
6. To what extent does regular Pap smear screening helps in the chance of early
a. No difference
b. To some extent
c. To a great extent
d. Don’t know
c. Blood test
d. Urine test
b. It is a common condition
59
9. Why is pap smear screening done for women?
screening ?
a. Once in 3- 5 years
b. Once in a year
c. Once in a month
d. Once in a week
60
d. Stomach pain
15. Which of the following is the vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer?
a. HPV vaccine
b. Polio vaccine
c. TT vaccine
d. BCG vaccine
a. Cryotherapy
b. Chemotherapy
c. Radiotherapy
d. Mammography
17. What will you advice, if one of your friend have Foul Smelling vaginal discharge ?
a. Neglect it
61
SCORING KEY FOR STRUCTURED KNOWLEDGE INTERVIEW
SCHEDULE
ANSWER KEY
1) c 9) a
2) c 10) b
3) b 11) a
4) b 12) d
5) a 13) a
6) c 14) d
7) a 15) a
8) d 16) a
17) b
62
CHECK LIST
Dear Respondent,
Given below are some questions which describe the barriers of cervical cancer
screening among women. There is no right or wrong answers. Hence you are
requested to be honest in expressing your opinions. Kindly place a tick mark (√) against
63
the specific column after each statement that most accurately describes your opinion about
Sl
no Items Yes No
1 I don’t know the interval of Pap smear screening test
2 I don’t know when the suitable age for a Pap smear
examination
3 It is unnecessary to go only for a Pap smear
4 Pap smear test is too expensive
5 I feel shy, embarrassed and reluctant during the Pap
virgin woman
9 Do not know where to go for a Pap smear test
10 Partner/ Family member does not allow you to do
the test
12 I have never received Pap smear test results
13 I feel hesitant to discuss with health care personnel
CANCER SCREENING
64
The total barriers of cervical cancer screening include 15 in that the barrier which get
highest frequency and percent will be the highest barrier of cervical cancer screening.
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68
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70
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71
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72
14 ¥Á¥ï ¹äAiÀÄgï¥ÀjÃPÉëAiÀÄÄ vÀÄA¨Á ¢ÃWÀð
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ºÉzÀjPÉAiÀiÁUÀÄÄvÀÛzÉ.
73
PROJECT ON
A study to assess the knowledge and perceived
barriers of cervical cancer screening among women
in selected areas of Mysore District.
SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
MYSORE MYSORE
74
SUBMITTED ON
05/04/13
75