Knowledge, attitude and perception on cervical cancer screening among women attending ante-natal clinic in Owerri west L.G.A, South-Eastern Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

• Published in: Cancer treatment and research communications Vol. 28; p. 100392
• Main Authors: Dozie, Ugonma Winnie, Elebari, Bagbi Loveday, Nwaokoro, Chidozie Joakin, Iwuoha, Gregory Ndubeze, Emerole, Chiagoziem Ogazirilem, Akawi, Amarachi Jovita, Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu Madukaku, Dozie, Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Ante-natal; Cervical cancer; Cross-Sectional Studies; Early Detection of Cancer - psychology; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Human papilloma virus; Humans; Knowledge; Nigeria; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology; Perception; Screening; Surveys and Questionnaires; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - diagnosis; Young Adult; Nigeria; Screening; Human papilloma virus; Ante-natal; Knowledge; Cervical cancer
• ISSN: 2468-2942; 2468-2942
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2021.100392

•Majority of the respondents have heard of cervical cancer screening and know where the screening can be done.•Information on cervical cancer was gotten mainly from friends.•Early engagement in sex was the major risk factor of the cervical cancer as believed by majority of respondents.•Most of the participants were willing to go for cervical cancer screening but were unsure that the screening is effective and are afraid people may think they have the disease.•There was strong influence of age and level of education on cervical cancer screening. Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women globally, and it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women in developing countries such as Nigeria. The study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception on cervical cancer screening among women attending ante-natal clinic in Owerri West, south eastern Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted using a random sampling technique among 231 respondents attending ante-natal clinic in a cluster of 4 selected public primary healthcare centres. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and data obtained was analysed using a descriptive technique, while the chi-square test was used to test for the influence of age and education level on cervical cancer screening. The result showed that there was a high level of awareness (68.8%) of cervical cancer screening. The majority of women (122 (52.8%)) received this information from friends. Although the majority of the participants had heard about the screening, few of them had basic information on the cause of the disease 44 (19%), prevention 32 (13.9%), risk factors 48 (20.8%) and treatment (23.4%) of the disease. Of the 231 women, 59 (25.5%) strongly agreed they were too young to have cervical cancer and hence there was no need for the screening, while a greater proportion (53 (22.9%)) agreed that the screening is only meant for older women (30–45 years). Expensive cost of screening (68 (29.4%)) and invasion of privacy by male doctors (34.6%) were also strong reasons for avoiding screening. The study revealed strong influence of age (χ2 = 104.37; DF = 10; P<0.001) and level of education (χ2=31.63; DF = 6; P<0.001) on awareness of cervical cancer screening. Moreover, educational status had a significant positive influence (χ2= 54.71; P<0.001) on the cause of cervical cancer, with a higher proportion of participants with post-secondary education. Awareness of cervical cancer is high, but the perception that it can be treated is quite low, along with fear of the screening outcome. Age and level of education are significant factors of screening for cervical cancer. Educational programmes encouraging participation in cervical cancer screening should consider involving the use of close peers and friends to educate the women on the importance of screening program.