Effect of inter-personal communication on cervical cancer knowledge and prevention among women in Rural Bengaluru, India

Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer among women worldwide. In 2012, 528,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed globally, 85% of which were in less developed countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia (including India) and Central and South American countries. Currently, cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in India which approximately accounts to 1/3rd of the global cervical cancer deaths. High-risk types are HPV16 & 18 and they account for more than 90% of cervical carcinoma and the route of transmission is mainly by sexual contact, which can be prevented by health education. The present study was conducted among rural reproductive women where the prevalence of cervical cancer is high and can be prevented by using a simple intervention method of health education. Materials and Methods: An interventional, community-based comparative study was conducted among 388 women of reproductive age residing in Whitefield, Bengaluru, over a period of one and a half years (May 2016 – October 2017). The pre-tested, semi-structured (Questionnaire) data collection tool was used to collect data before and after intervention (IPC). Results: Out of 388 women who participated in the study, the majority 223 (57.48%) belonged to the age group of 15-29 years. The awareness about cervical cancer significantly improved post-intervention (IPC). 26.29% had underdone pap smear examination for cervical cancer post-intervention compared to only 18.04% pre-intervention. The findings suggest a significant improvement in awareness and screening practices post-intervention. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that there was a positive impact of Interpersonal Communication on the overall increase in knowledge regarding Cervical cancer and its prevention among the women of reproductive age group in the study