Urban-rural disparities in cervical cancer awareness and reproductive health practices among women in Rajkot, India: a cross-sectional survey study

Shweta Pathak; Gopi Barvadiya; Rekha Parmar; Rahul Kundu

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261762

Authors

Shweta Pathak Department of Biosciences, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Gopi Barvadiya Department of Biosciences, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Rekha Parmar Department of Biosciences, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Rahul Kundu Department of Biosciences, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261762

Keywords:

Contraceptive use, Health disparities, HPV infection, Rural health, Screening barriers, Urban health

Abstract

Background: Urban-rural disparities in cervical cancer awareness and reproductive health practices challenge prevention, early detection, and equitable healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income settings. Limited knowledge, sociocultural constraints, and unequal access to services adversely affect women’s health, particularly in rural communities. Understanding these gaps is essential for designing targeted public health interventions. This study compared cervical cancer awareness, contraceptive use, and barriers to healthcare access among urban and rural women in Rajkot, India.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among women from urban and rural Rajkot using structured, pretested questionnaires. Data included sociodemographic characteristics, cervical cancer knowledge, screening awareness, contraceptive practices, and perceived healthcare barriers. Descriptive analysis and chi-square tests assessed statistically significant differences between urban and rural groups, with p<0.05.

Results: Marked sociodemographic differences existed between groups. Urban women had higher educational attainment, including bachelor’s degrees (χ²=10.90, p=0.0043), while rural women were largely employed in agriculture (χ²=67.96, p<0.0001). Modern contraceptive use was significantly lower among rural women (χ²=101.25, p<0.0001). Awareness of cervical cancer and screening methods was substantially higher among urban women (p <10^-14). Screening barriers differed, with urban women reporting privacy concerns, whereas rural women faced transportation and cost constraints.

Conclusions: Pronounced urban-rural disparities in cervical cancer awareness, contraceptive use, education, and healthcare access persist among women in Rajkot. Tailored, context-specific public health strategies are needed to improve awareness, reduce structural barriers, and strengthen preventive and reproductive healthcare services for rural populations.

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