Knowledge of cervical cancer and utilization of pap smear among patients in a tertiary Centre in South West Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge of cervical cancer, patients' life style in relation to risk factors for cervical cancer and utilization of Pap smear as a screening method for cervical cancer.Materials and Method: A structured questionnaire incorporating demographic, life style and knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention was distributed to 500 consecutive women attending the gynaecological out- patient clinic of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital.Results: 437 (87.4%) respondents completed the questionnaire. The mean age of respondents was 37.1 years (17-70). Knowledge of cervical cancer was low, as 62.7% of the respondents had never heard of cervical cancer. Also very few had actually done Pap smear.Conclusion: Knowledge of cervical cancer is poor among Nigerian women and there is poor utilization of screening services