Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access

Abstract

Mobilising Women from a Low Income Community to Attend Cervical Cancer Screening Camps: Insights from a Study in an Urban Slum of Mumbai

Shahina Begum, Naik DD, Saritha Nair, Umesh Iddya, Mali BN, Keskar PS and Balaiah Donta

Background: To increase the cervical cancer screening rate, various strategies are being conducted in the communities. The present study uses mixed interventional approach aiming to create awareness among couples about cervical cancer and Pap smear and to increase the rate of Pap smear screening.
Methods: The study was carried out in collaboration with Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). The Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Maternity Home under MCGM situated in Vikhroli, Mumbai was selected for the study. The study followed a quasi-experimental design. Women aged between 18 to 49 years and their husbands were randomly selected for the survey. Pre and post intervention survey was conducted to see the impact of intervention on creating awareness and utilization of Pap smear services. Multilevel intervention program was adopted to achieve the objectives.
Results: Significant increase in awareness about cervical cancer among couples was observed from pre (5.5%) to post (97.7%) intervention survey. About 32.2% women were found to be infected with HPV.
Conclusion: Mixed interventional approach is a good strategy for early diagnosis of cervical cancer.