Impact of socio-demographic factors on knowledge of cervical cancer among women in rural Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Cervical cancer poses a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where it leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. In Bangladesh, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with socioeconomic factors, educational attainment, and access to healthcare being critical determinants of health outcomes. This study investigates the impact of socio-demographic factors on the knowledge of cervical cancer among women in rural Bangladesh.
Method: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted across four subdistricts: Bakergonj, Amtoli, Kumarkhali, and Jagannathpur. A sample size of 245 women aged 30 to 49 years was selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected from November 2020 to February 2021 using structured questionnaires administered during face-to-face interviews. Knowledge was assessed based on responses to 15 questions about cervical cancer, with scores ranging from 0 to 15. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the associations between knowledge levels and socio-demographic variables.
Results: The study revealed that only 17.14% of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of cervical cancer, while 82.86% exhibited poor knowledge. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and factors such as age, education, and household size. Notably, 15.38% of respondents aged 30-34 demonstrated good knowledge compared to only 12.82% of those aged 45-49 (P=0.022). Similarly, 100% of respondents with graduate or higher education had good knowledge (P=0.026). Smaller household sizes were also associated with better knowledge (P=0.047).
Conclusion: The findings highlight substantial gaps in cervical cancer knowledge among rural women in Bangladesh, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions. These interventions should focus on providing comprehensive information about HPV, cervical cancer, and screening methods, and addressing cultural stigmas and misconceptions.