Demographics and knowledge of cervical cancer of female civil servants in Delta State on Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Delta state of Nigeria is a typical micro-world of multicultural values and religious beliefs as well as socioeconomic strata that could impact on the uptake of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination. Yet, the demographics of women in conjunction with knowledge and perception of cervical cancer screening have not been surveyed. This study aimed to assess the demographics of civil service women servants in Delta State and their knowledge regarding cervical cancer.Methods: The study was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of female civil servants in the states’ capital city of Asaba. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on eight demographic factors (age, educational level, ethnicity, income level, marital status, number of children, religion and workplace); as well as information on knowledge of cervical. Percentage proportions of respondents were assessed for the eight demographic factors. Absolute frequencies of affirmative responses to the questions on knowledge were evaluation. Hypothesis was tested for statistical significance of the demographic variables.Results: Analysis of the respondents (N=285) show that virtually all participants have heard of cervical cancer and knows that sexual promiscuity is a risk of the health condition. Only less than 5% of them attribute healthcare workers as their source of knowledge. Except age and marital status, every demographic variable is significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Demographics of women are significant in terms of potential factors that could influence the uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening.