Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination and the Effectiveness of an Awareness Program Among School Teachers in a South Indian City

Dr. Ushadevi E, Dr. Amodini L, Dr. Muganagowda Patil, Dr. Chaya KA

Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer is a huge public health burden on society and is one of the leading causes of death among women in India, after breast cancer. Hence the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the awareness of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination among school teachers in a South Indian city. The secondary objective was to assess the impact of an awareness program on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination knowledge among these teachers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 350 school teachers from rural and urban areas in and around a South Indian city. A standardized questionnaire was administered before and after a ward-level awareness program to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer, its risk factors, HPV vaccination, and screening tests. Convenience sampling was used to select participants. Results: The study showed a significant improvement in knowledge following the awareness program. Awareness of cervical cancer increased from 73% to 98%, while awareness of the HPV vaccine rose from 66.8% to 97%. Additionally, the percentage of teachers aware of cervical cancer risk factors increased from 27% to 91%, and awareness of the Pap smear test increased from 16% to 89%. Teachers' willingness to educate students about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination increased from 75% to 93%, with confidence in teaching also improving from 54% to 86%. Paired t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements (p<0.001) in both knowledge and attitudes. Conclusion: The awareness program significantly improved school teachers' knowledge about cervical cancer, HPV vaccination, and related health practices. These findings suggest that similar programs can be effective in enhancing public health awareness.

Keywords: HPV vaccine, awareness, attitudes, practices, school teachers

How to Cite?: Dr. Ushadevi E, Dr. Amodini L, Dr. Muganagowda Patil, Dr. Chaya KA, "Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination and the Effectiveness of an Awareness Program Among School Teachers in a South Indian City", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1124-1127, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251201134218, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251201134218