DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i05.060

Pages: 1989-1993

Cancer Cervix, the second most common cancer in the world is caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).In spite of the existence of screening the cervical cancer using Pap smear, the uptake of screening is low. The aim of this study is to explore the knowledge of cervical cancer among young girls in a Private Medical College. The objective is to assess the knowledge of cancer cervix in young girls. This is a Cross sectional study conducted among the young girls of a Private Medical College, Puducherry. The second, third, final year MBBS & Intern students participated in the study in the month of April, 2019. From each year 25 students were picked up randomly and the study was done among them. The data was collected from 100 participants using pretested and predesigned questionnaire after obtaining their consent. The data on Sociodemographic profile, knowledge, risk factors and barriers of Cervical cancer screening were collected and analyzed using suitable Statistical tool. Most of the participants had adequate knowledge about risk factors of cervical cancer. The highest knowledge about risk factor of Cervical cancer reported by the respondents was having more than one sex partner (91%), whereas the lowest knowledge was smoking(82%). The most common barriers of cervical cancer screening was the Papanicolaou (Pap)smear test which will make them embarrassing(53%) whereas the least common barrier reported among participants (19%) performing pap smear test will be expensive. Some false beliefs about Pap smear test prevent the women from taking up the test. Though the knowledge about cervical cancer screening is adequate they have a very poor practice of Pap smear test. The routine method of undergoing the screening test is advised and it has to be inculcated in all aspects of the health care department.