Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Its Screening among Female Healthcare Workers in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria
Journal Title: Indian Journal of Cancer Education and Research - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. Despite strong evidence that cancer screening saves lives through early detection and treatment, there is lack of empirical studies on it. Cervical cancer is a global health problem and the most common cancer in women living in subSaharan Africa. Worldwide, about 500,000 new cases are diagnosed every year with at least 288,000 deaths. About four out of every five new cases and most of the deaths from cervical cancer occur in the developing world. The highest mortality rates have been reported in Western and Southern Africa, Southern and Central America, Caribbean and South Central Asia. Cervical cancer unlike other gynaecological cancers is a preventable disease because it has a preinvasive phase that can be detected and treated if women are screened for it. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, awareness, perception and behavior of female healthcare workers in Oshimili South LGA of Delta State towards cervical cancer and its screening. Methods: A crosssectional descriptive study done from January to March 2014. Multistage sampling technique was used in the selection of the LGA and study participants. Data was collected using a semistructured questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results: A total number of four hundred and twenty four (424) female healthcare workers were interviewed. The mean age was 36.5 years and the ages ranged from 21 to 58 years. A total of 389 respondents (92.8%) were aware of cervical cancer. A total of 238 respondents (56.1%) knew about pap smear screening test. The most common risk factors for cervical cancer were early onset of sexual intercourse (25.7%), followed closely by multiple sexual partners (18.0%). Eighty five point one percent (85.1%) of the respondents are aware that early detection of cervical cancer could help improve prognosis; while 73.3% would like to do pap smear; 24.8% have done pap smear and 64.9% would require their husbands consent to do pap smear. Conclusion: This study revealed a high level of awareness of cervical cancer and an average level of awareness of pap smear screening test among this group. A poor knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors was also observed. Marital status was found to significantly influence the level of awareness of cervical cancer and its screening. Educational level and Age did not have significantly influence on the knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening.
Authors and Affiliations
Eguvbe A. O
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- EP ID EP460336
- DOI 10.21088/ijcer.2321.9815.5217.6
- Views 103
- Downloads 0
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