Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Concerning Cervical Cancer Screening among Reproductive Age Group Women in Low-Resource Settings in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and cervical screening are effective prevention strategies against both HPV infection and cervical cancer. Lack of awareness, limited knowledge, limited decision-making agency, lack of spousal support and stigma are barriers to uptake of these preventive measures. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice concerning cervical cancer screening among reproductive age group women in low-resource settings in Okaka and Agudama Communities of Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria using Pap smear screening of 406 women and a structured questionnaire. Results showed that women who participated in the study were aware of cervical cancer (78.3%; n=318) but many (70.4%; n= 286) were unaware of Pap smears as the screening tests for cervical cancer. Although few of them (45.6%; n =185) knew about a screening center, out of which 17.6% (n= 32) reported that the screening center was less than 2km away from their residences. There is need for health care professionals, to intensify efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening, and encourage women through the different clinics to use these services. The benefits of screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer should be emphasized to enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening services.