Knowledge and Perception towards Uterine Fibroids among Ante-Natal Clinic Attendees in Two Sub-Urban Communities in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Uterine fibroid is a common cause of recurrent bleeding and pain in women of reproductive age and it can have a severe impact on a  woman's quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception of women in suburban communities toward  uterine fibroid. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge and perception of ante-natal clinic attendees towards uterine fibroid in Delta State. A total of four hundred ante-natal clinic attendees were  selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 23 with  statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results obtained indicate that the mean age of respondents was 31.0 (± 8.5) years. Overall, 16% of respondents had good knowledge of uterine fibroid. About, 73% of study participants had a positive perception of uterine fibroid. There  was no statistically significant association (p>0.05) between the socio- demographic variables with knowledge and perception towards  uterine fibroid among our study respondents. Majority of respondents, 99.0% were aware of uterine fibroid, however, overall knowledge of uterine fibroid was poor. Study respondents had a positive perception towards uterine fibroid. Although study respondents had a  positive perception towards uterine fibroid, there were many misconceptions concerning uterine fibroid among these respondents. There  is a need for health professionals to disseminate accurate information about fibroids. Also educational programs should be carried  out in sub-urban areas in order to increase their knowledge and perception of uterine fibroid. These programs can be sponsored  by the community non-governmental organizations and the Government.