Cervical cancer knowledge and attitude among a cohort of female schoolteachers in Salem city – A cross-sectional survey

The present study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of female schoolteachers toward cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 Government female schoolteachers aged 22–60 years in Salem city, Tamil Nadu. A self-administered questionnaire which assessed the levels of knowledge (6 items) and attitude (4 items) regarding cervical cancer was employed and responses were recorded on a three-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. RESULTS: Overall adequate knowledge and good attitude regards to cervical cancer was observed among 60% and 66.8% of schoolteachers, respectively. Participants in the age range of 31–45 years (p = 0.007), primary schoolteachers (p = 0.004) and Hindus (p = 0.001) displayed significantly adequate levels of knowledge compared to their respective counterpart. Likewise, based on attitude subjects possessing postgraduation (p = 0.001) and middle schoolteachers (p = 0.009) had significant good attitude scores. Significant linear correlation was observed knowledge with class teacher (r = 0.136, P = 0.03) and religion (r = 0.208, P = 0.001) whereas attitude with qualification (r = 0.165, P = 0.008) and class teacher (r = 0.206, P = 0.001) which are positive predictors. Moreover, knowledge had a significant positive correlation with attitude (r = 1.000, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Primary care physicians partnering network with schoolteachers having adequate knowledge and good attitude acts as a workforce to support cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus vaccination.