Knowledge, Attitude, Beliefs and Practices of Gynaecological Problems amongst Females in Rural and Urban Population

Background This study attempts to present an overview of knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices of gynaecological problems amongst females in urban areas of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and rural areas of Raigad district i. e. Alibaug (Alibaug, Murud), Panvel (Taloja, Navade, Kalamboli), Roha, Pen (Nere, Nagothane). Methodology After the ethical approval, 1200 subjects of age group 18 years and above participated in the study out of which 600 were rural and 600 urban women. Those subjects willing to participate were explained about a self-made questionnaire and a written consent was taken from them. Results Both populations have heard about cervical cancer being the most common gynaecological issue and considered unhygienic conditions to be the major risk factor for occurrence of any gynaecological problem. Even today both the populations approach a doctor only after the condition has worsened. In case of prolapse, the rural population still feels embarrassed and practices manually inserting the organ back into the vagina. The rural women are still ashamed to reveal urinary incontinence and consider it to be a normal phenomenon. Conclusion The knowledge and practices are better in urban population than rural but the level of awareness is improving in rural. Common misconceptions and beliefs are followed even today by both population although it is more in rural. Reproductive care to women needs to be broadened beyond maternity care and planning.