Knowledge attitudes and practices regarding cervical cancer and its prevention among women of reproductive age living in urban slums of Eastern India

Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem in developing countries, particularly among women residing in urban slums where awareness and access to preventive services are limited. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding cervical cancer and its prevention among women of reproductive age residing in urban slums of Bhubaneswar, India. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 women aged 15–49 years residing in urban slums of Bhubaneswar, India between November, 2024 and March, 2025. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer and its prevention. Only 6.5% participants had heard about cervical cancer, and 4.3% were aware of its risk factors. Knowledge regarding symptoms (3.6%), screening (2.2%), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination (0.7%) was extremely low. All participants were presented with the knowledge items, with a “Don’t know” response available for participants who were unfamiliar with the topic; therefore, the reported percentages for individual knowledge items reflect responses from the full study sample rather than only those who had previously heard of cervical cancer. Despite poor knowledge, attitudes were relatively positive, with 64.5% strongly agreeing that discussion of cervical cancer is important and 71% willing to undergo screening if it were provided free of charge. Screening practice was poor, with only 0.7% reporting that they had ever undergone a Pap smear test. Lack of awareness was reported as the major barrier (98.6%). The findings demonstrate a substantial knowledge-practice gap despite relatively favourable attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention. Context-specific health education, strengthened engagement of healthcare providers, and improved access to cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination services are needed, particularly in underserved urban-slum population.