Factors associated with awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer in a community: implication for health education programmes in developing countries.

An attempt has been made to study the correlates of knowledge of cervical cancer in a community. The survey undertaken is a part of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) study prior to initiation of cytological screening. Total women interviewed by KAP survey were 1411 selected through 2 stage stratified random sampling. Subjects for the present analysis consisted of a group of women who had reported previous gynaecological problems related to cervical cancer. The study brought out that younger women had better awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and related information. Literacy status for education and exposure to family planning was influential in creating awareness about cervical cancer. Lastly, the earlier episodes of gynaecological problems, and treatment seeking behaviour lead to higher awareness (efforts may be made to innovate ways to reach older and illiterate women at risk of cervical cancer for better awareness in the community.