Journal of Education and Health Promotion

A cross‑sectional study on assessment of perceived threat to cervical cancer using health belief model among women in a slum area of Kolkata

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Akanksha Yadav
. Madhumita Dobe
. Bobby Paul
. Chandrashekhar Taklikar

Department of Health Promotion and Education, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of various cervical cancer preventive strategies by 
the Government of India, there is a scarcity of knowledge and consequent low utilization of cervical 
cancer screening services among women in India. This contributes to the burden of cervical cancer 
among Indian women. This study was conducted to assess perceived threat‑regarding cervical cancer 
among women and to identify its explanatory factors in a slum area of Kolkata.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 192 adult women 
from May to September 2019 in Kolkata. The multistage sampling technique was used using a 
structured schedule. Perceived threat to cervical cancer was measured using a composite score 
including perceived susceptibility and perceived severity constructs of the health belief model. Data 
were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression model using SPSS 
software version 16.
RESULTS: Overall, 22.9% of the participants had satisfactory levels of perceived threat to cervical 
cancer. Statistically significant association was found between unsatisfactory levels of perceived 
threat with reproductive age group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.01; P = 0.036), education level up 
to primary (AOR = 2.89; P = 0.026), and unsatisfactory knowledge (AOR = 2.94; P < 0.001) among 
respondents. The multivariable regression model was of good fit.
CONCLUSION: The study population had very unsatisfactory levels of perceived threat to cervical 
cancer. Thus, to increase cervical cancer screening uptake among women, it is necessary to tailor 
robust behavior change communication campaigns to increase the perception of susceptibility and 
severity, thereby increasing the perception of threat of cervical cancer among women.

Keywords

Cervical cancer
health belief model
India
perceived threat
women
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 12, Issue 4
April 2022
Pages 1-6

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