Awareness about Cervical Cancer
among 17 to 25 Years Age Group in
Tirunelveli District: A Cross-Sectional
Study
Introduction
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease with early detection and vaccination.
Understanding awareness, knowledge, and attitudes among young adults is critical for
effective public health interventions. This study evaluates these factors among 17 to 25-
year-olds in Tirunelveli District.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 449 participants from various colleges. Data
on demographics, cervical cancer knowledge, risk factors, screening, and HPV vaccination
were collected. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and Chi-square tests were used to
analyze associations.
Results
Demographics
- Majority aged 18-20 years.
- 64.4% female, 35.6% male.
- Urban (54.6%) and rural (45.4%) residence.
Awareness and Knowledge
- 61.5% had heard about cervical cancer; females significantly more aware than males (p <
0.001).
- 71.7% identified virus as cause; 68.6% correctly named HPV.
- Common symptoms recognized included vaginal discharge and painful urination.
Risk Factors Knowledge
- High awareness of smoking, multiple sexual partners, and HPV infection as risk factors.
- No significant sex or residence differences in knowledge of smoking or multiple partners
as risk factors.
Screening and Prevention
- 40.3% aware of screening; no significant urban-rural difference.
- Pap smear recognized by 35.2%.
- 56.8% believed cervical cancer is preventable, mainly via HPV vaccination.
HPV Vaccination
- 54.1% knew about the vaccine.
- Vaccination rate was 23.4%, with no significant sex difference.
- Main reasons for not vaccinating: lack of knowledge and cost.
- Willingness to vaccinate varied significantly by age group (p = 0.011), with younger groups
more willing.
Statistical Associations
Variable Pair Chi-square p-value Interpretation
Sex vs. Heard about 16.16 <0.001 Females more
cervical cancer aware
Age group vs. HPV 18.21 <0.001 Younger more
vaccination status vaccinated
Residence vs. 0.96 0.62 No significant
Knowledge of difference
screening
Sex vs. Willingness 14.90 <0.001 Females more
to vaccinate willing
Sex vs. Knowledge 4.13 0.13 No significant
of smoking risk difference
Residence vs. 2.27 0.32 No significant
Knowledge of difference
multiple partners
risk
Age group vs. 9.28 0.16 No significant
Knowledge of difference
vaccine existence
Sex vs. HPV 0.06 0.80 No significant
vaccination status difference
Residence vs. 9.01 0.17 No significant
Reasons for not difference
vaccinating
Age group vs. 16.48 0.011 Younger more
Willingness to willing
vaccinate
Discussion
The study highlights moderate awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV
vaccination. Females show higher awareness and willingness to vaccinate. Age influences
vaccination uptake and willingness. No significant urban-rural disparities were found in
knowledge or attitudes. Educational interventions should target males and older age groups
to improve vaccination rates.
Conclusion
Improving cervical cancer awareness and HPV vaccination coverage among young adults,
especially males and older age groups, is essential. Tailored health education and accessible
vaccination programs are recommended.
Age Distribution
Sex Distribution
Heard about Cervical Cancer
HPV Vaccination Status
