Knowledge and attitude regarding cervical cancer and its screening among women and its association with socioeconomic status: perspective from Western India

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major yet preventable cause of morbidity and mortality among women in India. Socioeconomic and educational disparities greatly influence awareness and uptake of preventive measures, especially in low and middle income countries, making it important to study their association within this context. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 380 women aged 25-65 years attending a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers related to cervical cancer, Pap smear screening, and HPV vaccination were assessed, with knowledge scores classified according to Bloom’s criteria, and associations with socioeconomic status were measured. Results: Of 380 participants, only 43.42% (165) of participants had heard of cervical cancer. Amongst, just 10.9% demonstrated good knowledge of its risk factors, symptoms, screening, and prevention. Attitude towards prevention was generally positive, with 63.03% of participants willing to undergo Pap smear testing and 64.24% willing to receive free HPV vaccination. Higher socioeconomic status and educational level were significantly associated with greater awareness and higher knowledge scores. Both educational level and knowledge category were associated with more favorable attitudes toward screening and prevention. Major barriers to screening noted were the absence of symptoms or perceived need, embarrassment, and a male doctor. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate a dire need for targeted health education, improved accessibility of affordable and gender-sensitive screening services, and strengthened initiatives for cervical cancer prevention in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease in Indian women.