Knowledge and Awareness of Cervical Cancer among Students of a Tertiary Institution in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a disease of the female genital tract causing serious health challenge especially among the child bearing age in economically depressed countries. Women aged 15 years in Nigeria are at risk of developing cervical cancer and the disease incidence in Nigeria among women is 250/100,000. Assessing the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer of tertiary students will be of immense contribution in management and prevention of the disease. The aim of this study was toassess cervical cancer awareness among University of Port Harcourt students in Nigeria. Method: Across sectional descriptive study design was employed to systematically sample330 female students using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a validated structured closed ended questionnaire. Statistical package for social sciences version 21 was used to analyze the data and hypothesis was tested using chi square at P≤0.05. Results: An average level awareness (50.91%) for cervical cancer (p=0.05) was recorded. The mean standard deviation was4.17 ± 2.41.Majority of the respondents were within the age of 18-21(30.91%). Level of study mostly involved was level one (32.12%). Singles demonstrated a higher proportion (68.48%) and respondent’s religious affiliation was 100% for Christianity. An awareness practice disconnect was observed which can promote cervical cancer transmission within the population. Consistent health education is needed by the population to increase their awareness and knowledge. Conclusion: There is need to improve awareness through cervical cancer education, inclusion of cervical cancer screening for females as part of pre-school screening test and formation of cervical cancer clubs on campuses. A national cervical cancer algorithm is also advocated.