Table 3 Awareness of HPV infection among women (N = 317)

How common is cervical cancer in women?

Very common

48

15.1

Common

157

49.5

Rare

56

17.7

Not sure

56

17.7

What do you think is/are the main reasons for cervical cancer?*

It develops from inside

95

30.0

Bacterial infection

49

15.5

Viral infection

80

25.2

None

14

4.4

Not sure

85

26.8

Which among these can cause cervical cancer?*

Persistent infection with HPV

82

25.9

Rous sarcoma virus

23

7.3

Hereditary/genetic factors

115

36.3

None

18

5.7

Not sure

88

27.8

What do you think can turn in to cervical cancer*

Genital warts

109

34.4

Bacterial infection

56

17.7

Fungal infection

26

8.2

None

23

7.3

Not sure

108

34.1

Apart from avoiding unwanted pregnancy, what would you think can happen with using contraceptive pills*

Protects against cervical cancer

31

9.8

Increases risk of cervical cancer

123

38.8

No ill effect at all

77

24.3

Not sure

86

27.1

Did you hear about HPV before?

Yes

101

32.2

No

213

67.8

Missing

3

-

If yes*,

General physician

28

8.8

Friend or family member

20

6.3

Internet

22

6.9

TV/Magazine/Newspaper

46

14.5

Other

14

4.4

How is HPV transmitted?*

Contaminated food/Water

10

3.2

Mosquito bite

3

0.9

Sexually

159

50.2

None

20

6.3

Not sure

127

40.1

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?*

Pap smear test

77

24.3

Colposcopy

24

7.6

Biopsy sample testing (histological)

122

38.5

All above

82

25.9

None

2

0.6

Not sure

30

9.5

Is it possible to prevent cancer?

Yes

243

78.9

No

26

8.4

Not sure

39

12.7

Missing

9

-

If yes*,

Through cancer vaccine

58

18.3

Through responsible sexual behavior

46

14.5

Through cervical screening

173

54.6

Through condom use

14

4.4

If the vaccine against cervical cancer is available, would you be interested in getting vaccinated?

Yes

285

89.9

No

32

10.1