Awareness of and Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening among Married Tribal Women in Sirohi, Rajasthan: A Community-based Study.

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in developing nations, including India. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP)  regarding cervical cancer screening, risk factors, and prevention strategies, along with the  barriers to participation in screening activities, among married tribal women in  Sirohi district, Rajasthan, to identify areas for improvement in this essential aspect of women's health.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted among 170 married tribal women recruited from the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) zone in Sirohi district, Rajasthan. A  standardised, fixed-response questionnaire was used to obtain data on participants' KAP regarding cervical cancer screening.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 32.81 ± 10.5 years. Out of 170, 28 (16.5%) women had heard of cervical cancer, and 20 (11.8%) women were aware of cervical cancer screening. Only 19.4% of women agreed to undergo screening for cervical cancer. A significant proportion, 86.5% of participants, had poor knowledge, 84.1% had a negative attitude, and only 0.6% demonstrated good practices regarding cervical cancer screening. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with age group, education, socioeconomic class, and number of children (p < 0.05). Attitude scores were significantly associated with age, contraceptive method used, and tobacco use. Practice scores were significantly associated with education and menstrual cycle characteristics (p < 0.05). Identified barriers to screening included lack of awareness, financial constraints, anxiety about vaginal examinations, feelings of embarrassment, and communication difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings indicate a critical deficiency in knowledge, attitude, and practice as well as low willingness to participate in cervical cancer screening among tribal women. Educational interventions  through culturally sensitive awareness programs should be conducted in the local tribal language to enhance preventive healthcare in the tribal population.