WED-064 - Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Prevention Behavior Among Tamang Women Residing in Nuwakot, Nepal

Brief Abstract Summary: This descriptive cross-sectional study explores the level of knowledge about cervical cancer, attitudes towards cervical cancer screening and vaccination against HPV, and practices of preventive behaviors among Tamang women (an ethnic minority population) residing in Nuwakot, Nepal. I will share how cultural, social, economic, and geographical factors influence cervical cancer prevention behaviors, particularly in regard to a low level of knowledge and belief in traditional healing (dhami and jhakri). Tamang women are among a marginalized population needing culturally tailored interventions, increased healthcare access, and development of community-based education to improve cervical cancer prevention practices and reduce mortality.

Detailed abstract description:

Background:
Cervical cancer is a burden to lower middle-income countries, despite the advancement in diagnostic methods and tools. In Nepal, cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death with more than 80% of cases diagnosed at an advanced stage. Tamang, an underserved ethnic group constituting about 5.6% of the total population of Nepal, has a high poverty level, illiteracy rate, and teenage marriages, increasing the risk of cervical cancer. Knowledge and attitude toward cervical cancer and prevention may be associated with health behavior. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers of cervical cancer and its preventive behavior among Tamang women residing in Nuwakot, Nepal.
Methodology:
Participants were recruited by door-to-door visits to the homes of Tamang women.Tamang women (n=300), who were 18 years and older, could speak and understand Nepali language, could provide consent, and were residing in Shivapuri, Kakani, or Likhu rural municipalities of Nuwakot, Nepal, were included in this study. A structured interview, with open-and closed-ended questions, was used to assess knowledge, attitude, and behaviors. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression models were used to explore relationships between cervical cancer knowledge, attitude, and behavior.
Findings:
At the time of abstract submission, data is being collected. Preliminary findings indicate that ~20% of participants have some cervical cancer knowledge and 60% have a positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination. Yet many participants described seeking medical help and information from traditional healers (dhami/jhakri). They may seek Western medicine providers if the traditional healer remedy does not work. Not having any information about cervical cancer and its screening is the major reason for not undergoing cervical cancer screening.
Conclusion and significance:
Tamang women have a low level of knowledge about cervical cancer and a positive attitude towards screening and vaccination against HPV. Some factors influencing these results are lack of education, screening services, and stigma. The results of this study indicate the need for culturally tailored health education and interventions focused on Tamang women of Nepal to mitigate the existing gap in knowledge and to reduce cancer incidence and associated mortality.