Level and determinants of precancerous symptoms of cervical cancer in unscreened population of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, India: A pilot study

Problem consideredCervical cancer, mainly caused by human papillomavirus infection, is one of the most frequent cancers in women in the developing world including India. The present study attempts to explore the risk factors related to symptoms of cervical cancer.Materials and methodsA total of 1319 females of age groups ranging from 14 years to 85 years were included in the present study and analyzed for symptoms and risk factors for cervical cancer.ResultsThe prevalence of painful micturition, white discharge per vagina, and pelvic pain in the age group 25-44 years was found to be 22.1%, 21%, and 8%, respectively, and the distribution of symptoms was statistically associated (p < 0.05) with age. Chances of developing painful micturition were significantly related to age group 45-54 years (AOR = 2.5; 95% C.I.: 1.4-4.5), while the likelihood of developing pelvic pain was significantly related to the females of age groups of below 25 years (AOR = 8.4; 95% C.I.: 1.4-12.1) and 25-34 years (AOR = 7.9; 95% C.I.: 1.7-8.3). Pelvic pain was also independently related to the abnormal age of menarche (≤11 or ≥16 years) (AOR = 3.6; 95% C.I.: 1.6-8.5) concerning the standard age of start.ConclusionsFindings of the study indicate that there is lack of awareness about the key risk factors for cervical cancer among women that pointed out the issue of limited knowledge which may work as an obstacle in health services utilization.