Determinants of cervical cancer knowledge and the utilisation of screening among a Nigerian female population

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death among females in the developing world, with poor prognosis attributed to lack of awareness about the disease and its prevention. Objective: The study was aimed at providing useful information on socio-demographic factors determining the awareness of cervical cancer, pap smear and its utilisation among market women, a unique population of women from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out among 483 randomly selected market women at Aleshinloye market in November 2003using a questionnaire probing into basic demographic characteristics, knowledge of cervical cancer and screening with Papanicolaou's smear as well as utilisation of the test. Variations of these parameters with socio-demographic factors were studied. Results: The majority (79.5%) of the women were sexually active, 38.5% had early sexual debut and 33.7% had multiple sexual partners. Only 40.8% were aware of cervical cancer while 19.7% were aware of screening with pap smear. However, only 5.2% had had previous Pap smear. Identified determinants of awareness of cervical cancer and pap smear were age, marital status and level of education while utilisation of the screening test depended on the first two factors. Conclusion: There is need for more intensive awareness campaign among market women and the general population, especially among the identified categories of the women who are less likely to have knowledge of cervical cancer and screening. Keywords: determinants, screening, cervical cancer, Nigeria Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 22(1) 2005: 21-24