Knowledge of risk factors and practices linked to cervical cancer in women aged 25–55 years in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background/Aims: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounting for one third of all cancer cases in Zimbabwe. The World Health Organization suggests that the disease is generally very advanced at the time of diagnosis due to low uptake of Pap smear screening. A descriptive correlation design was employed in this study to examine and describe the relationship between knowledge of risk factors for cervical cancer and practices that prevent or predispose women aged 25–55 years to cervical cancer. Methods: Face-to-face structured interviews to assess the practices of women (n=80) who present with or are predisposed to cervical cancer. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Results: There was a weak negative correlation (r=–0.84) between being aware of the risk factors for cervical cancer and engaging in practices that predispose women to cervical cancer, such as the use of vaginal herbs. In general, having a better knowledge of risk factors correlated with a slightly decreased propensity to engage in practices that predispose women to cervical cancer. Furthermore, a higher level of education did not translate to increased uptake of cervical cancer screening as 75 (93.8%) and 54 (67.5%) women indicated that they had not attended annual cervical cancer screening or postnatal cervical cancer screening, respectively. Conclusions: Knowledge of the risk factors for cervical cancer among participants was high (95%), despite poor practices and uptake of Pap smear screening. As cervical cancer is potentially preventable, a public health approach should be adopted to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this cancer.