Awareness, Attitude and Health Seeking Practices of Nursing Staff for Gynecological Cancers, Working in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Maharashtra, India

Background: Nursing staff are aware of screening tests of all gynaecological malignancies. However, attitude and practices do not match with this. Present study was conducted in 200 Nursing staff working in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology for awareness, attitude and health seeking practices of preventive gynaecology. Methods: A survey was conducted among 200 Nursing staff working in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, using a questionnaire. This evaluated implementation of screening and preventive measures used by them for self- protection as well as for the women seeking their services. Their attitude regarding HPV vaccine as a preventive measure was also noted. Results: In present study, 160 (80% Nursing staff) were aware of pap smear, 14 (7%) Nursing staff have done pap smear as it was advised. 182 (90.2%) were doing their self breast examination regularly and 25 (12.5%) had done their mammography. 168 (80.4%) had their ultrasound done and 98 (49%) had their P/V done. 128 (64%) were aware of HPV vaccination and 23(10.1%) Nursing staff had given HPV vaccination to their daughters. Conclusions: Proper and effective utilization of available facilities would depend on creating better understanding and change in their attitude.