Awareness about Cervical Cancer and Its Prevention among the Female Respondents of General Hospital in Bangladesh

Background Globally, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality amongst the gynecological cancers, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. This present study was carried out to assess the knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention among the female respondents of General Hospital of Tangail District in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional, face to face interview-based survey was conducted in September to January (2018-2019) using self-administered questionnaire to elicit information on demographic characteristics, knowledge, screening behaviors and determinants of cervical cancer. Results A total of 478 patients participated in the screening process, out of which 71.4% (342) were illiterate whereas only 8.8% (42) were graduate. Of all the interviews conducted, 51.5% did not know cervical cancer risk factors as a disease. Only 48.5% of the respondents were aware concern cervical cancer risk factors. On the other hand, only 14% respondents were aware that infection is the most common cause of cervical cancer and the cervical cancer causing virus is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Only 19.9% of the study population was aware of HIV as a risk factor for cervical cancer. Our study shows that 7.1% recognized Pap smear as a screening test of cervical cancer. In total, only 251(52.5%) out of 478 respondents were aware of the treatment of cervical cancer. Conclusion The present study revealed very low cervical cancer knowledge and poor understanding about the risk factors, diagnosis and the treatments among the women. Broad range epidemiology based study is strongly recommended in every general hospitals in Bangladesh for the proper awareness and concern about the cervical cancer risk factors and its early diagnosis.