~ 91 ~ International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2018; 2(6): 91-94 ISSN (P): 2522-6614 ISSN (E): 2522-6622 © Gynaecology Journal www.gynaecologyjournal.com 2018; 2(6): 91-94 Received: 11-09-2018 Accepted: 14-10-2018 Dr. Sonal Prasad M. S, Senior Resident, Dept. of Obst. & Gynaecology, Dr Baba Sahib Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Delhi, India Dr. Ritu Khatuja DNB, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Obst. &Gynaecology, Dr Baba Sahib Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Delhi, India Dr. Prachi Renjhen MD, Professor, Dept. of Obst. & Gynaecology, Dr Baba Sahib Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Delhi, India Correspondence Dr. Prachi Renjhen MD, Professor, Dept. of Obst. & Gynaecology, Dr Baba Sahib Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Delhi, India Prevalence & predictors of awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention among women in north Delhi Dr. Sonal Prasad, Dr. Ritu Khatuja and Dr. Prachi Renjhen Abstract Cervical carcinoma is the only preventable cancer but still ranks as the second most common cancer in the reproductive age group, A study was undertaken to know the prevalence and predictors of awareness cervical cancer and its screening among women residing in north Delhi. A cross sectional prospective study was carried out in randomly selected 401 women, attending tertiary care hospital in north Delhi, over three months. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Only 31.92% of women had heard about cervical cancer and 20%of these were aware that cervical cancer was preventable. 8.5% had heard about pap smear and 1.5% had heard about HPV vaccine. Age and working status were positive determinants for awareness about cervical cancer. Age and Education status were considered as positive determinant for awareness of prevention of cervical cancer. There is still a need to educate and motivate women about cervical cancer and its prevention. Keywords: cervical cancer, HPV vaccine, Pap smear Introduction Cervical carcinoma, the second most common cancer in the reproductive age group, with an incidence of 30.0-44.9 cases per 100, 000 women in India [1] In fact, India bears about one-fifth (20%) of the world's cervical cancer burden [2] . In the light of India's rapidly growing population, the overall burden of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in India is projected to increase by 68 and 78%, respectively, by the year 2030 [3] Within India, the age-adjusted incidence rate of 19.5/100,000 of cervical cancer was reported among women in Delhi [4] . Having a definite detectable precancerous lesion makes cervical cancer a perfect candidate for screening thereby providing a golden opportunity of decreasing the burden of this deadly disease. The Papanicolaou (Pap) test has been proved to be a very useful and effective tool to reduce mortality through early diagnosis [5, 6] In addition, the Pap test is relatively easy, cheap/free of cost and reliable. In a meta nalysis, a sensitivity of 30-87% and specificity of 86- 100% for the Pap smear test has been reported [7] It is well known that easy availability, low cost, health professional and proper rendering of services are important in the success of any screening program. However, the awareness and attitude of women at the receiving end plays a crucial role in successful screening. Despite its effectiveness as a method of controlling the incidence of cervical cancer, there is significant underutilization of Pap test. Availability of Pap smear facility for early detection of cervical cancer is not by itself sufficient for reducing the mortality by this type of cancer among women. The impact of the test depends upon its proper utilization by the target population. Interestingly, the cervical cancer screening coverage in India is only 3.1%. It was with these facts in mind that this study was conducted with an aim to study prevalence of awareness about cervical cancer and its screening and to study the predictors of awareness and practice of pap smear among women residing in north Delhi. Materials and Methods A questionnaire based cross sectional observational study was conducted on women visiting tertiary care hospital in north Delhi from over three months (July to September 2017). A total of 401 women in the age group of 18-65 years, who were willing to participate in the study were explained the nature and purpose of the study. The data was collected using a pre- designed and pre- tested questionnaire seeking information regarding basic socio-demographic profile, awareness about cervical cancer, its prevention, Pap test and HPV