Knowledge Regarding Cervical Cancer and Its Prevention Among G.N.M Students in a Selected Nursing Institute of Punjab A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem and one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, particularly in developing countries like India. It arises from the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer develops slowly over time, often beginning with precancerous changes known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, which, if not detected and treated early, can progress into invasive cancer.

The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Certain high-risk strains of HPV, especially types 16 and 18, are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. Other contributing risk factors include early marriage, multiple sexual partners, poor genital hygiene, smoking, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and weakened immune system.

Aim: To assess the knowledge regarding cervical cancer and its prevention among G.N.M students and to determine its association with selected socio-demographic variables.

Material and Methodology: A Descriptive design was adopted for collection and analysis of data in Selected College of Desh Bhagat University, Amloh road, Gobindgarh, Punjab by use of Convenience Sampling technique.

Results: The result reveals that only 1.6 % has poor knowledge, 40% had average knowledge and 58.8% students had good knowledge regarding cervix cancer and its preventions. The frequency and percentage distribution of socio demographic variable of G.N.M. students were in age group 20-25 years (46) and in relation to maximum were females in accordance with residential area maximum were urban, as per source of information maximum students gained knowledge from books and newspaper.