Awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer in medical and paramedical staff-an observational study

In developing countries, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among thewomen from develop ed countries and risk of cancer increases among the women with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The reasons being lack of knowledge and awareness regarding screening methods,lack of availability at health center among local population.Aims and Objectives: To assess the knowledge regarding cervical cancer and screening and HPVvaccination among medical and nursing staff.Materials and Methods: The observational study was conducted at Index medical college hospital andresearch center from October 2018 to December 2018 among 200 medical and paramedical students. Apreset questionnaire was given them to answer and data was analyzed.Two hundred medical and paramedical students were studied from October 2018 to December 2018at Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Indore. One-time 15 question standardizedquestionnaire survey was asked to answer from all the participants.Results: We observed, 79% were aware that cervical cancer is most common cause of gynecologicalcancer, 69% were aware that HPV is the causative agent, 49.5% were aware that HPV infection canbe symptomless, 59% were aware about its symptoms amongst them, 46.5% were aware of post coitalbleeding, 36% about intermenstrual bleed, 42% were aware about post-menopausal bleeding, and 44.5%were aware about altered color and foul smelling cervical discharge. Only 34.5% participants were awarethat HPV can be transmitted during pregnancy. Only 36% participants were aware that HPV is transmittedby polygamy. Majority were aware about the screening methods of the cervical cancer. A total 75% ofparticipants thought cervical cancer is preventable, 54.4% of participants were aware that HPV vaccine isavail able and prevents cancer cervix, 61.5% were aware that using condom is a preventive method, 64.5 %were aware about HPV vaccine and 40.5% were aware of monogamy as preventive