Knowledge And Utilization Of Cervical Cancer Vaccine Among Female Undergraduates In University Of Ibadan, Ibadan

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in developing countries. An estimated 529,409 new cases and approximately 274,883 deaths are recorded annually. Vaccination has been identified as the surest way of preventing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer vaccines were licensed and introduced in Nigeria in 2009, but they are being utilized by only a few privileged population. Although cervical cancer is known to be preventable, poor knowledge of the disease and the possible preventive measures are responsible for late presentation of cases and consequently high cases of mortality in Nigeria. This study identified the knowledge and utilization of such vaccines available for cervical cancer prevention.

This Study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey to assess the level of knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer vaccine. The instrument for the study was a semi-structured questionnaire. Data obtained was coded and entered into spread sheet, and analysis was done using SPSS (version 20.0). Chi-square test and independent sample t- test was used to determine whether the relationships between the variables are statistically significant at P < 0.05.

A very low level of knowledge and awareness, 45.6% was seen among the female undergraduates. This also amounted to a low utilization; as 99.5% had never utilized the services. Different factors were also identified as barriers to utilization of screening services such as affordability, accessibility, fear of procedure among many others.

The menace cervical cancer is very high in Nigeria. There is urgent great need to establish adequate measures to ensure that services are available, knowledge about the disease is adequate and that available services are being utilized.

Key words: Cervical Cancer, Knowledge, Utilization, Vaccine, Female Undergraduates