Document Type : Original Article
Authors
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
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