Factors influencing the attitudes of rural women in Uttarakhand towards cervical cancer screening

• Author Details:   
• Neha Upadhyai
• Raghav Upadhyai
• Amit Mittal
• Kajal Gupta ^*

Background: Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as India. The uptake of cervical cancer screening is alarmingly low, especially in rural areas. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of rural women in Uttarakhand regarding cervical cancer, its screening and to identify factors influencing the uptake of screening methods.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for one year among 446 married women, aged 21-65 years, attending the outpatient department of a rural health training centre under community medicine department. Participants were interviewed using a pre-structured and pre-tested questionnaire covering socio-demographic details, knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer screening. Data was analysed using SPSS v23 applying logistic regression.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 38.1 years. Only 39% of women had heard of cervical cancer and just 19% were aware of the Pap test. Mere 10.8% women understood its correct purpose. The most common source of information were healthcare providers. Key barriers to screening included negligence, perceived good health, embarrassment, and financial or time constraints. Women’s inclusion in family decision making and women with gynaecological complaint were significantly more likely to take screening.

Conclusion: Awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening among rural women is critically low, primarily due to lack of knowledge and socio-cultural barriers. Targeted health education, empowerment of women in health-related decision-making and opportunistic screening during healthcare visits are recommended to improve screening of cervical cancer.