Awareness and Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Screening and Human Papilloma Virus among Female School Teachers in, Solukhumbu, Nepal

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Nepal.¹ Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer worldwide.³ World Health Organization (WHO) recommends to vaccinate 9 to 13 years old girls with two doses of HPV vaccine to prevent infection from it. Analysis of HPV vaccination implementation program in developing countries, including Nepal, showed school vaccination model is the most effective reaching girls age 9 to 13. ^{9, 10}. Therefore this study aimed to assess awareness and knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer among school teachers.

Material and Methods:

It was a cross sectional study, conducted from May 2016 to September 2016 in 14 different schools in Dudhkunda municipality, Solukhumbu, Nepal. Female teachers were interviewed using structured questionnaires consisting of socio-demographic variables, awareness and knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer. Ethical approval was obtained prior to conducting the research.

Result:

Total numbers of participants were 102, age ranged from 20 to 59 (median age 36), majority with education level of bachelor and above. Although 80% of participants had heard of cervical cancer, only 20% had their cervix examined and less than 33% had heard about cervical cancer screening tests. Almost 50% (40) of those who had not examined responded the reason as “Feeling fine, why should I have the test”.  Almost all had no knowledge that HPV can cause cervical cancer and only 13 (12.7%) had heard of vaccine for cervical cancer.

Conclusion:

Teacher’s awareness and knowledge on concept of cervical cancer screening, vaccination and tests available for cervical cancer screening are found poor.