ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS, AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH PRACTICES REGARDING CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Although HPV vaccination, early detection, and frequent screening can prevent most cases of cervical cancer, it is still a big health problem. Women's lack of knowledge and poor preventive measures are responsible for late diagnosis and high disease burden. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, awareness and preventive health practices of the women of reproductive age regarding the cervical cancer screening in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out at tertiary care hospital from 1st November 2025 to 1st May 2026. 100 women of reproductive age were included in total. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on demographic information, knowledge about cervical cancer, awareness of screening options, HPV vaccination and preventive behaviors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. Results: Of the 100 participants, 68% had heard of how HPV infection causes cervical cancer, and 42% had heard about HPV as a significant cause of cervical cancer. Fifty-five percent of women reported being aware of Pap smear screening, but only 24% had ever been screened for cervical cancer. An education level and screening awareness were significantly related to better preventive practices. There were significant disconnections with HPV vaccination awareness and regular HPV screening uptake. Conclusion: The study found significant disparities in the knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer prevention practices among women of reproductive age. There is a need to increase awareness and improve access to screening services and strengthen health education to improve cervical cancer prevention and early detection.