Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 424-430
Knowledge and Awareness about Cervical Cancer amongst Physiotherapist of Ahmedabad- an Observational Study
Margi Pandya1, Sadhana Mukhi2
1Second Year MPT Student, 2Assistant Lecturer,
JG College of Physiotherapy. Ahmedabad
Corresponding Author: Margi Pandya
ABSTRACT
Background: Frequent cancer affecting women in India are breast, cervical, oral cavity, lung and colorectal cancer. Majority of women die from cervical cancer in India than in other country. By employing suitable screening and prophylactic programmes, cervical cancer could potentially be a preventable disease. However, inadequate knowledge and awareness can result in under- utilization of the preventive strategies. Belief and practices observed by general public could be impacted in a positive way, when adequate knowledge is provided by health care professional. Hence it is, necessary to know if they have the knowledge and awareness about the most preventable cervical cancer.
Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer amongst physiotherapist of Ahmedabad.
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on Physiotherapists of Ahmedabad. Data were collected using questionnaire which was pre-designed and self-administrated. The questionnaire included specific questions to test participants' knowledge and awareness related to cervical cancer. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2019.
Results: Data from 100 participants were included for final analysis. The majority of study participants were female (n=70; 70%). The mean age of participants was 24.5 years. Only 60-70% participants appeared to have good level of knowledge (In terms of risk factor, vulnerability, signs and symptoms, ways of prevention and ways of screening) and awareness.
Conclusion: The study shows fair knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer amongst physiotherapist.
Key words: HPV Vaccine, Knowledge, Awareness, Cervical cancer, PAP Smear, Physiotherapist