Screening for cervical dysplasia and reproductive tract infections in Kerala, India: A multicentric study.

Tom, Jeremiah Jacob; Vaz, Clint; Nisha, Catherin · J Family Med Prim Care · 2020

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

Cancer of the uterine cervix is estimated to the second most frequently occurring malignancy among females in India. Cancer mortality profile in India estimates that 20.7% of cancer deaths in females are cervical cancer. This well elucidates the fatal aspect of the disease and the need for early detection. To screen for cervical dysplasias and reproductive tract infections in various parts of Kerala, India, and determine its associated factors. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in various parts of Kerala, India. This study included an interview schedule to collect data and the procedures included per speculum examination along with a Pap smear test. A total of 199 women were screened with mean age of 45.87 ± 9.84 years. Of these, 13.5% showed inflammatory smears, 1% showed infective pathology and 1.5% showed pre-malignant lesions. The increased rates of inflammation and infection show its importance in public health. Similar community-based screening as well as routine screening by physicians/gynaecologists is recommended for early detection of cervical cancer and reproductive tract infections. Community education among the population proves to be an important factor; especially regarding HPV vaccination.