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Cervix: Oral Abstract: Sample survey of cancer awareness in health care workers
This article was originally published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow and was migrated to Scientific Scholar after the change of Publisher.
Abstract
Objective:
To see the awareness about cancer in women among ASHA workers.
Place of Study:
Awareness Sessions at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.
Background:
ASHA workers are the first point of contact for women in the community & bridge the back between the hospital and women. They have been instrumental in the success of the family planning programme & polio eradication program in India.
Materials and Methods:
A questionnaire about educational status, awareness about breast & cervical cancer statistics, methods of screening and diagnosis was distributed to Accredited Social Health Activists appointed by the government at two educational sessions organized at Safdarjung hospital.
Results:
Of the 200 ASHA workers attending, 188 completed the questionnaire. Their educational status ranged from 7th standard to post-graduate, majority had studied up to 10th standard. Their sources of information were mostly television and mobile phones, 23% had knowledge about internet, 36% were using Whats app. Only 28% knew about the commonest cancer in Indian women. Regarding breast cancer, 63% were aware of self examination of breasts, 41% knew the frequency of self examination; awareness about symptoms of breast cancer was prevalent in 46%, 24% knew about risk factors of breast cancer. Regarding Cervical Cancer, 28% knew about risk factors, 22% knew about symptoms of cervical cancer; 19% knew about screening methods for cervical cancer, 9.5% knew the screening intervals.
Conclusion:
Health education about cancer prevention should start at the primary school level. Special educational & motivational sessions for ASHA workers could help in cancer prevention programs.
