Knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention amongst undergraduates of the Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria, approximately 26 women die daily due to cervical cancer. About 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by human papillomavirus infection (HPV), transmitted through sexual intercourse and can be prevented. This study assessed knowledge of cervical cancer and practice of its preventive measures, among undergraduates in a University in South-South Nigeria.Material and Methods: his study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted among 479 students of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Nigeria. Respondents were selected across Faculties through a multistage sampling technique and data was collected using a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science version 23 with statistical significance set at p<0.05.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 20.4 (±2.4) years. The majority of the respondents (85.0%) had a poor level of knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention methods. Age (p<0.001), study level (P<0.001), and faculty (<0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention. About 59.0% of respondents have an overall positive attitude towards cervical cancer and its prevention. The level of uptake of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination was 0.8% and 1.3% respectively, however, more than half of the respondents were willing to get screened (63.9%) and vaccinated (50.9%).Conclusion: The institution should organize and sponsor comprehensive health education programmes about cervical cancer and its prevention. Provision of screening and vaccination at subsidized rates or at no cost will provide widespread coverage of prevention both in local communities and among students.