The level of knowledge and associated socio-demographic factors on cervical cancer among women: a cross-sectional study at Kenyase Bosore community, Ghana.

Ampofo Ama Gyamfua,Samuel Nambile Cumber,Bukola Mary Ibitoye,Isaac Nkrumah,Evelyn Serwaa Ofosu,Joyce Mahlako Tsoka-Gwegweni,Beatrice Ampofo Agyemang

doi:10.11604/pamj.2019.34.44.19471

Abstract

IntroductionCervical cancer is a major cause of death amongst women around the world. In Ghana, it accounts for over 2,119 female deaths and about 3,151 new diagnoses of the disease. It is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat. This study aims at assessing the knowledge on risk factors, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer among women in Kenyase Bosore, Ghana.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among women in Bosore Kenyase, Ghana. A total of 200 women were selected for the studies using the convenience sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection and statistical package for social sciences application was also used to analyse the data. Pearson chi-square test was used to find associations between knowledge and awareness level and socio-demographic characteristics of the participants.ResultsOverall, 9.7% of the respondents had high knowledge on cervical cancer, 20.6% had moderate knowledge and 69.7% had low knowledge on cervical cancer. There was a significant association between educational background (p=0.000) and awareness level of the respondents. There was also a significant association between the occupation (p=0.003), educational background (p=0.000) and knowledge level of the respondents.ConclusionThe knowledge level of the respondents was very low. Specifically, the respondents had inadequate knowledge on risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. The authors recommend the intensification of cervical cancer education in Kenyase Bosore, and Ghana as a whole.

Highlights

Cervical cancer is a malignant cancer of the cervix that begins as a slight abnormal squamous cellular change, or dysplasia [1]
Women who have problems with their immune system are at increased risk of cervical cancer, especially if they have been exposed to HPV [5]
The study revealed that the knowledge level of the respondents was very low

Summary

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a malignant cancer of the cervix that begins as a slight abnormal squamous cellular change, or dysplasia [1]. If left untreated, these cells may progress into severe dysplasia, known as High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL), and onto invasive carcinoma. Factors that affect the immune system and can increase the risk of cancer of the cervix are smoking, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a family history of cervical cancer, older age, and poverty [5]. The Pap smear has been the preferred prevention strategy for cervical cancer by periodically screening women to identify abnormal cells, to determine the need for additional procedures that can destroy the abnormal cells before they progress into invasive cancer [7]

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