Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Cervical Cancer and its Screening Among Women from Tribal Population of Anuppur District.

Abstract

Cervical cancer poses a significant public health challenge, especially among tribal women who face barriers in accessing healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of tribal women regarding cervical cancer and HPV screening in Anuppur, a rural district in Madhya Pradesh, India. Conducted between December 2020 and December 2022, the cross-sectional study included one tribal block (Pushprajgarh) and one urban block (Jaithari). The study involved females aged 10-59 years from randomly selected households, excluding those with a history of cancer and those not consenting. Healthcare professionals from local health centres were also included, except those on leave. The sample size was 384, determined using a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer screening. Knowledge was assessed with questions about risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures, while attitudes were measured using a 7-point Likert scale. Practice-related questions focused on experiences with Pap smear testing. The study revealed a significant lack of awareness among tribal women about cervical cancer and its link to HPV infection. Many participants had limited understanding of the risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures, leading to negative attitudes towards screening. Barriers such as financial constraints, cultural beliefs, and limited healthcare access further hindered screening practices. As a result, many women had never undergone cervical cancer screening. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and educational programs to improve awareness and promote positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening among tribal women. Emphasizing the importance of regular screening and addressing misconceptions can help bridge the knowledge gap and enhance preventive measures.