Utilization of screening services for cancer of the cervix in Makurdi, Nigeria

Bernard Terkimbi Utoo,Ajen Stephen Anzaku,Stephen Dungbe Ngwan

doi:10.7243/2054-0841-1-2

Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, Ajen Stephen Anzaku + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7243/2054-0841-1-2

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Abstract

Background: Cancer of the cervix is a leading cause of death due to female genital malignancies in developing countries. Early detection through cervical screening is crucial for prevention and treatment. Objective: To determine the awareness and utilization of screening services for cancer of the cervix amongst women in Makurdi. Methods: A cross-sectional study using interviewer administered questionnaires to women attending the outpatient gynecological clinic at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, North-Central, Nigeria between March and August 2012. Results: The average age and parity of respondents was 35±11.2 years and 2.4±2.3 respectively. Most 48.3% were civil servants, Married 89.0% and had post-secondary education (64.5%). About 65% were aware of cancer of the cervix. Fifty one percent were aware of cervical cancer screening. Main source of information was through the mass media (35.5%). Among the ‘aware’ group for screening services, only 13.6% had utilized the services (X 2 =12.2, p=0.0004, OR=3.7). Overall, only 7% of the study population have ever screened for the disease. Education significantly affected awareness for both cancer of the cervix (p=0.0001) and screening services (P=0.0002). Reasons for non utilization of services were; Ignorance, absence of screening centres, perceived non necessity, faith in God, prohibitive cost, physician’s non recommendation among others. Conclusion: Most women were aware of cancer of the cervix and screening for the disease but utilization of screening services was very poor. Services should be made available, accessible and affordable to the women while sustaining awareness campaigns.

Highlights

Cervical cancer is the second commonest malignancy affecting women worldwide [1,2]
Most women were aware of cancer of the cervix and screening for the disease but utilization of screening services was very poor
Fifty one percent were aware of cervical cancer screening (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Cervical cancer is the second commonest malignancy affecting women worldwide [1,2]. It is the leading genital tract malignancy in developing nations. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in developing countries [1]. 250, 000 deaths are reported every year [2] Eighty percent of these women do come from countries that control only 20% of the world’s cancer resources, they present for treatment very late in which case only palliative measures can be offered to them [3,4]. Detection through cervical screening is crucial for prevention and treatment

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Discussion

Conclusion