Awareness and acceptance of cervical cancer screening among women attending a tertiary care hospital: a cross-sectional study

Ramajyothi Sanavelli; C. V. Lakshmi Rao; Kavitha Kothapally

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20260559

Authors

Ramajyothi Sanavelli Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bhaskar Medical College, Yenkaplly, Rangareddy District, Telangana, India
C. V. Lakshmi Rao Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bhaskar Medical College, Yenkaplly, Rangareddy District, Telangana, India
Kavitha Kothapally Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bhaskar Medical College, Yenkaplly, Rangareddy District, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20260559

Keywords:

Awareness, Cervical cancer, HPV vaccination, Screening

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in India despite the availability of effective screening methods and HPV vaccination. Limited awareness and poor utilization of screening services contribute significantly to delayed diagnosis.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 334 married women aged 20–65 years attending the gynaecology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Telangana from February-November 2025. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were applied. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Only one third (31.4%) of participants were aware of cervical cancer. Awareness regarding symptoms (13.5%), risk factors (8.9%), preventive measures (6.9%), and HPV vaccination (14.0%) was low. Awareness of screening tests was reported by 12.8%, and only 7.0% had ever undergone screening. Despite poor knowledge and minimal screening practice, willingness to undergo screening was high (82.0%). On multivariate analysis, employment status (Adjusted OR 2.31; 95% CI: 1.18-4.52), knowledge of screening tests (Adjusted OR 3.11; 95% CI: 1.49-6.48), and willingness to undergo screening (Adjusted OR 5.62; 95% CI: 2.71-11.64) were independent predictors of awareness.

Conclusions: Awareness and utilization of cervical cancer screening services were inadequate despite high willingness. Strengthening targeted health education and provider-initiated counseling is essential to improve screening uptake.

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