EXPLORING CERVICAL CANCER KNOWLEDGE AMONG FEMALE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND MEDICAL TRAINEES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The study delves into understanding the comprehension levels of cervical cancer, its risk factors, and preventative measures among female healthcare providers and medical students. The study, conducted in December 2023 at, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, KVV, Karad, involved 205 participants comprising doctors, medical students (1st, 2nd & 3rd-year MBBS), and nurses. Utilizing the Google Forms platform, an online survey was administered, with data analysis conducted using SPSS software version 26. Key findings indicated a notable recognition of HPV infection (141 participants) and multiple sexual partners (137 participants) as primary risk factors for cervical cancer. Additionally, 41.95% of respondents were aware of early pregnancy as a risk factor. Among the participants, doctors demonstrated the highest awareness levels of cervical cancer risk factors, followed by nurses and students. Furthermore, 81.95% of participants acknowledged the preventability of cervical cancer, emphasizing the significance of screening in prevention.
The study underscores the importance of continually updating the knowledge base of female nursing personnel, given their role as primary sources of health information for women. It also advocates for the strategic integration of HPV and cervical cancer education into medical curricula early on.