Knowledge, attitude and practice concerning cervical cancer screening among reproductive age group women in low-resource settings Yenagoa Bayelsa State

Abstract

Background: 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 the uptake of these preventive measures. Cervical cancer is
the second most diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Eighty three
percent (83%) of the world's new cases and 85% of all cervical cancer-related deaths occur in developing
countries. It is primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV); a sexually transmitted pathogen that could be
prevented with safe sexual practice and using vaccines, among others. The aim of the study was to assess the
knowledge and attitude of reproductive age group women in low-resource settings towards cervical cancer and its
prevention in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Nigeria.
Methodology: This study employed the use of a descriptive study design to examine the knowledge and
assessment of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age (19-54), about cervical cancer, its prevention, and
their utilization of Pap smear screening; using a convenience sample of 406 women in two communities (Okaka
and Agudama) in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Women voluntarily completed a
structured questionnaire.
Result: 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.
Conclusion: There is a need for healthcare 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.