1Postgraduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
3Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
4Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Corresponding Author:
Dr. Shanmathi K.A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Email: shanmathikiran@gmail.com
Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading preventable malignancy among women in India. Despite established screening and vaccination strategies, uptake remains suboptimal. Understanding the knowledge–practice gap and associated barriers is critical for effective program implementation.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, awareness, and perceived barriers to cervical cancer screening among women attending a tertiary care hospital in Chennai.
Materials and Methods: This hospital-based quantitative cross-sectional observational study included 250 women aged 21–60 years attending the gynecology outpatient department. Data were collected using a validated, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of cervical cancer etiology and risk factors, awareness of screening modalities, HPV infection, and HPV vaccination, as well as perceived barriers to screening. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.
Results: Among 250 participants, 90.9% were aware that cervical cancer can be detected early through screening and 82% recognized the association between HPV infection and cervical cancer. However, only 9.1% had undergone screening more than once. Awareness of HPV vaccination was limited, with only 27.3% reporting some knowledge and none vaccinated. Major perceived barriers included lack of knowledge (90.9%), partner disapproval (81.8%), fear of positive results (54.5%), embarrassment (36.4%), and privacy concerns (36.4%). Community-based medical institutions (54.4%) were identified as the primary source of information.
Conclusion: Despite high levels of general awareness, screening uptake remains critically low, reflecting a substantial knowledge–practice gap. Psychosocial and sociocultural barriers predominate over structural access issues. Strengthening organized screening programs, expanding HPV vaccination coverage, and implementing culturally sensitive community-based interventions are essential to improve participation and reduce cervical cancer burden.
Keywords: Cervical cancer; screening; awareness; HPV infection; HPV vaccination; barriers; India.
How to cite this article: Shanmathi KA, Prasath N, Selvam V, Meena TS. Knowledge, Awareness, and Barriers Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening: A Comparative Study Among Women Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(6s): 823-832; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.6s.109
Source of support: None
Conflict of interest: None