Abakaliki Nigeria Research Articles

Sleep health among medical students in Abakaliki Nigeria: A descriptive study

BackgroundSleep health focuses on those measurable characteristics of sleep that are most clearly associated with physical, mental, and neurobehavioral well-being, and not necessarily the absence of sleep disorder. Sleep health is characterised by subjective satisfaction, appropriate timing, adequate duration, high efficiency, and sustained alertness during waking hours. Adequate and restful sleep is particularly crucial for medical students, who face unique challenges due to the demanding nature of their academic and clinical responsibilities. There is limited data on sleep health among medical students in Nigeria. ObjectivesThis research study investigated the pattern of sleep health among medical students in Abakaliki Nigeria. MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study was undertaken among the medical students of 2 public institutions in Abakaliki Nigeria from 16th to 23rd June 2023. ResultsOut of the 288 medical students (males- 53.1 %, females- 46.9 %), good sleep health was recorded in 6.6 %. The mean SATED sleep score was 4.9 ± 1.7 (male- 4.9 ± 1.8, female- 4.9 ± 1.6) (p-value = 1) and it was significantly lower among the final-year students. Age difference, sex difference, and presence of chronic headache did not significantly affect the SATED sleep score. The mean sleep duration was 6.1 ± 1.5 hours (male- 6.1 ± 1.6, female- 6.0 ± 1.4). Sleep duration (54.5 %) had the best rating while sleep efficiency (44 %) had the lowest rating among the assessed sleep domains. ConclusionSleep health is poor among medical students in Abakaliki Nigeria and significantly poorer among final-year medical students.

Factors associated with the practice of and intention to perform female genital mutilation on a female child among married women in Abakaliki Nigeria

BackgroundFemale Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as Female Genital Cutting or Female Circumcision is the harmful excision of the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. According to WHO, approximately 200 million girls and women have been genitally mutilated globally. Its recognition internationally as human rights violation has led to initiatives to stop FGM. This study investigated factors associated with the practice and intention to perform FGM among married women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 married women from communities in Abakaliki Nigeria. The participants were selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected through the interviewer’s administration of a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were employed to determine factors associated with the practice and intention to perform FGM at a p-value of ≤ 0.05 and confidence level of 95%.ResultsThe mean age of respondents is 40.5 ± 14.9 years. A majority, 96.7% were aware of FGM. On a scale of 15, their mean knowledge score was 8.1 ± 4.3 marks. Whereas 50.4% of the respondents were genitally mutilated, 20.2% have also genitally mutilated their daughters, and 7.4% have plan to genitally mutilate their future daughters. On a scale of 6, their mean practice score was 4.8 ± 1.2 marks. The top reasons for FGM are tradition (82.9%), a rite of passage into womanhood (64.4%), suppression of sexuality (64.4%), and promiscuity (62.5%). Women with at least secondary education are less likely to genitally mutilate their daughters (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.248, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.094–0.652). Women who are genitally mutilated are more likely to genitally mutilate their daughters (AOR = 28.732, 95% CI = 6.171–133.768), and those who have previously genitally mutilated their daughters have greater intention to genitally mutilate future ones (AOR = 141.786; 95% CI = 9.584–209.592).ConclusionsWomen who underwent FGM have a greater propensity to perpetuate the practice but attaining at least secondary education promotes its abandonment. Targeted intervention to dispel any harboured erroneous beliefs of the sexual, health, or socio-cultural benefits of FGM and improved public legislation with enforcement against FGM are recommended.

Hepatitis B Virus Seroprevalence and Potential Perinatal Transmission Among Pregnant Women in Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Hepatitis B Virus Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem. It is highly endemic in Nigeria and it is estimated that about 9-12% of the total population of Nigeria are chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen. Epidemiological data on (HBV)infection among pregnant women in Nigeria are very scarce, especially in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential perinatal transmission among rural pregnant women in Abakaliki Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women accessing antenatal care at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. We consecutively recruited 300 pregnant women attending antenatal consultations. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and factors associated with HBV infection. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were determined using commercial test strips. A chi-square test was used for the analysis. The mean age was 31.8 (SD6.2) years. All women were married and (23.4%) were farmers while (47.0%) had secondary education. Sixteen women (5.3%) were HBsAg-positive, of whom (6.3%) were positive for HBsAg. The prevalence of HIV infection was (0.3%). Overall, (6.3%) women were co-infected with HIV and HBV. Independent correlates of HBV infection included a history of Jaundice (p = 0.046) history of sexually transmitted infections (p=0.005) and concurrent infection by HIV (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in Abakaliki was intermediate. The relatively high rate of women positive to both HBsAg and HBeAg suggests that perinatal transmission of HBV might be the prevailing mode of HBV transmission in this area.

Prevalence of Renal Dysfunction in Acute Stroke Patients at Abakaliki Nigeria

Prevalence of Renal Dysfunction in Acute Stroke Patients at Abakaliki Nigeria

Prevalence of Renal Dysfunction in Acute Stroke Patients at Abakaliki Nigeria

Prevalence of Renal Dysfunction in Acute Stroke Patients at Abakaliki Nigeria

What drives loyalty for low income earners in emerging markets?

This paper investigates the determinants of loyalty for low income earners in emerging markets. A survey of 287 customers of specialized banks (banks built for low income earners) in Abakaliki Nigeria was conducted. The hypotheses under study were tested using factor and regression analysis. The results from the test show that determinants of customer loyalty include satisfaction, trust as well as perceived service quality. However, corporate image is not a determinant of customer loyalty. This study offers important implications to researchers as well as practitioners and highlights the insignificance of the company’s image to customer loyalty which is a basis for further studies. In the Nigerian societal context, corporate social responsibility (CSR) which in turn gives rise to corporate image is viewed as an act of philanthropy and mostly carried out by most multi-national companies (MNCs). The CSR programmes of these Multi-nationals mimic the CSR programmes of western economies neglecting local realities and the peculiarities of the Nigerian diverse economy occasioned by socio-economic challenges.

Wound Bed Preparation Using Unripe Pawpaw in a Resource-poor Environment: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUNDChronic wounds affect mainly the productive age group in developing countries and stretch the limited healthcare facility. We aimed to establish the efficacy or otherwise of pawpaw dressing in management of common forms of wounds in resource-poor settings using the Nigerian pawpaw in humans.METHODSThis study was a prospective research carried out at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Nigeria between September 2019 and August 2020 using patients with lower extremity wounds. Thirty patients who had lower extremity wounds that required debridement were enrolled in the study after giving consent. They had wound dressing with unripe pawpaw as an enzymatic debriding agent to evaluate the rapidity of eschar separation and bacterial clearance. The data obtained with a proforma were analyzed using IBM SPSS.RESULTSThere were 16 males and 14 females with an average wound size of 127.13+ 103cm2. Eschar separation occurred earliest after 3 d of dressing and the latest after 14 d with a mean period of 5.5+ 2.255 days. A case had negative bacterial culture on the first test. Others had a variable period of clearance with a maximum of 18 d and a mean of 6.73+3.750 days. Both eschar separation and bacterial clearance correlated positively with the wound size.CONCLUSIONWound bed preparation with unripe pawpaw dressing showed promising outcomes with rapid eschar and slough separation, and bacterial clearance resulting in a faster wound healing. This is recommended for wounds needing debridement in which the patients are not fit for anesthesia or could not afford the cost of surgery.

Cervical Cancer Screening Knowledge, Uptake and Barriers among Female Undergraduates in a Nigerian University.

Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease that disproportionally affects women in developing countries with an estimated incidence rate of 33 cases per 100,000 women in Nigeria. Over the year's awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening services have remained poor in developing countries. Lack of knowledge and poor attitude towards the disease and its risk factors can affect screening practice and development of preventive behaviour for cervical cancer.Aim: This study assessed the level of knowledge and barriers towards cervical cancer screening among female undergraduate students. Across-sectional study of 234 female students conducted at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria from March 1st to July 30th, 2017. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and screening history of cervical cancer, including barriers to screening. We graded knowledge score into good (≥ 50%) and poor (< 50%). We analysed data with Epi info version 7.1.4. Participants' median age was 21.0 years. The median age of sexual debut was 13.0 years. Overall, 130 (77.4%) respondents had poor knowledge of cervical cancer. Major sources of information were health workers 54(32.1%), friends 22 (13.1%) and Television10 (6.0%). One hundred and sixty-eight (72.1%) were aware of cervical cancer, but only 10(16.1%) have had Pap smear test. Common barriers to cervical cancer screening include not knowing the centres where such services are obtainable 84 (52.9%), unnecessary 29(18.6%), no time 26 (16.7%) and fear of discovering cancer 12 (7.7%). Comprehensive education and awareness creation on the importance/benefits of cervical cancer screening to university students, including centres where such services are provided is critical in improving uptake. Thus, leading to early detection and reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer in Nigeria.

Post Stroke Depression: Experience at Abakaliki Nigeria

Background: Post stroke depression (PSD) is the most common psychiatric complication following stroke. There has not been any study to demonstrate its burden in Abakaliki, Nigeria. It is against this backdrop that we embarked on this study of the frequency and pattern of PSD in Abakaliki Nigeria. Method: This is a cross-sectional observational hospital based study undertaken at the Adult Neurology Outpatient Clinics of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria from February 2021 to July 2021 (6 months period). Results: Amongst the 110 stroke survivors enrolled in the study, 36 (32.7%) had Post Stroke Depression (PSD) with preponderance of mild type. Female gender and young age were associated with the presence of PSD. Conclusion: Post stroke depression is prevalent amongst stroke survivors in Abakaliki, Nigeria and more preponderant in women and young individuals.

Risk Perception and Factors associated with Compliance to COVID-19 Preventive Measures among Commercial Drivers in Abakaliki Nigeria: An Imperative for Targeted Intervention

Background: Despite efforts to control COVID-19 pandemic, the outbreak has continued to ravage the world with high morbidity, mortality and economic hardship. The World Health Organisation reported that people are becoming complacent and their risk perceptions are lowering. Commercial drivers play significant role in outbreak control because of their regular mix with commuters from various sources.&#x0D; Objectives: We investigated risk perception and factors associated with compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures among commercial drivers.&#x0D; Methods: This study involved 502 commercial drivers in Abakaliki Nigeria using cross-sectional analytic design. Data was collected with interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with IBM-SPSS version 23. Inferential statistics were done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression tests with significance set at p-value of 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The response rate was 502(98.4%) and mean age was 35.5±10.8 years. Majority of them were married 368(73.3%), had secondary education 279(55.6%) and operated commercial driving for 1-5 years 297(59.2%). There was high awareness, high-risk perception and good compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures in 99.8%, 69.1% and 54.4% of respondents respectively. Attaining tertiary education (aOR=6.5, 95% CI=1.5-28.1, p=0.012) and good knowledge of COVID-19 (aOR=4.3, 95% CI=2.7-6.8, p&lt;0.001) significantly predicted high-risk perception while good knowledge of the disease alone predicted good compliance (aOR=5.5, 95% CI=3.6-8.3; p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The awareness of COVID-19 is high but there is relatively lower risk perception and compliance with the preventive measures. We recommend improved public education, sensitization and risk communication as well as review of policies and adoption of new approaches about COVID-19 outbreak control.

Electroencephalography: Experience at Abakaliki Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Electroencephalography (EEG) remains the most important investigative modality in the evaluation of individuals with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. The pattern of EEG done in a tertiary hospital at Abakaliki Nigeria is not known. It is against this background that we embarked on this retrospective observational study on the EEG pattern and patient characteristics in Neurophysiology laboratory at Abakaliki Nigeria.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHOD: This is a retrospective observational hospital based study where the attendance register of the Neurophysiology laboratory was used to extract information on the demography, clinical characteristics and EEG reports of patients seen at the Laboratory from November 2018 to April 2021. &#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: A total of 125 (Male- 69, Female- 56) persons did EEG over the study period, and 75.2% had epileptiform waves (generalized- 16.8%, focal- 57.6%).&amp;nbsp; &#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: EEG services are been utilized at Abakaliki in evaluation of seizure disorder and other paroxysmal neurological events with more prevalent focal epileptiform waves.

Pattern of Neurological Disorders in an Adult Neurology Clinic at Abakaliki Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Neurological disorders are common with increasing prevalence worldwide. The pattern of their presentation at Abakaliki Nigeria is not known. It is against this background that we embarked on this retrospective observational study on the pattern of neurological disorders in an Adult neurology clinic at Abakaliki Nigeria.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHOD: This is a retrospective observational hospital based study where the attendance registers of the 2 neurology clinics were used to extract demographic and clinical information of patients seen at the clinics from January 2019 to June 2020.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: A total of 1910 (72%) patients (Male- 1063, Female- 847) had neurological disorders. Common neurological disorders include Stroke, Seizure disorder, Parkinsonism, Dementia, Spondylosis, and headache.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: Neurological disorders are quite common in neurology clinics at Abakaliki Nigeria with preponderance of stroke.

Maternal complementary feeding practices and anthropometric status of children (6-23 months) in Abakaliki Nigeria, a facility based study

Sub-optimal complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months is a major cause of under-nutrition in developing countries. This study was designed to assess the complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of children 6-23 months attending an immunization clinic at Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. A total of 320 children were selected using a two-stage sampling technique. WHO/PAHO/UNICEF recommendations and WHO Child Growth Standard charts were used to categorize their complementary feeding and anthropometric indices, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Complementary feeding indicators such as timely complementary feed introduction (54.1%) and minimum dietary diversity (68.7%) were met by more than half of the respondents. But overall, complementary feeding practices were considerably poor. Low minimum meal frequency, minimum adequate diet and continued breastfeeding at one year were reported. Wasting, stunting and underweight prevalences were 12.5%, 11.3% and 8.3% respectively. Children who continued breastfeeding at one year (AOR = 0.34; CI= 0.15-0.76) or met minimum dietary diversity criteria (AOR = 0.43; CI= 0.17-1.05) were less likely to be stunted. Increased attention towards breastfeeding continuation and dietary diversity improvement using locally available/affordable food stuffs is needed.

Unearthing the hidden tragedy- Stillbirths in Abakaliki Nigeria- Prevalence and causes

Unearthing the hidden tragedy- Stillbirths in Abakaliki Nigeria- Prevalence and causes

Determinants of willingness to participate in community-based health insurance among People Living with HIV in South-East Nigeria

Background: Despite free antiretroviral treatment at designated facilities, many People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria continue to face catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) due to direct non-medical and indirect costs of illness. Waning donor funding and poor country ownership of HIV care programs are challenges to the sustainability of care for PLHIV. Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) presents a viable alternative for funding HIV care services. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of Willingness To Participate (WTP) in CBHI among PLHIV in a large tertiary hospital in South-east Nigeria. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 371 PLHIV on treatment at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Nigeria using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20. Statistical tests were conducted at 5% level of significance. Results: Respondents were mostly males (51.8%) with mean age of 45.4 ± 10.3. The mean monthly income of respondents was N26, 665.77 ± 15,171.50 ($74,070 ± 42.14). Majority were willing to participate (825%) and to finance their participation in CBHI (65.2%). Major reasons given for unwillingness to participate in CBHI were poor understanding on how the system works, lack of regular source of income, health insurance not needed and fear of poor management of resources. On bivariate analysis, WTP in CBHI was associated with gender (p < 0.001), marital status (p < 0.001), employment type (p = 0.006), family size (p = 0.001), educational level (p < 0.001), monthly and monthly income (p < 0.001). Predictors of WTP were female gender (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.6–5.7), being currently unmarried (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 2.3–7.8), self-employed (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2–3.9), family size greater than 5 (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.7–5.9) and having less than a secondary school education (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 2.3–7.8). Conclusion: The majority of the respondents were willing to participate and finance their participation in CBHI. The vulnerable subgroups (females, unmarried, self-employed, poorly educated and those with large family size) had higher odds of WTP. To reduce CHE, there is a need to harness this high WTP among PLHIV in the design of subsidized and sustainable CBHI programs with special focus on the socially disadvantaged.

An assessment of the trainability of beggars and the destitute in Abakaliki Nigeria: implication for policy on their health, vocational rehabilitation and social reintegration.

Begging and destitution constitute serious health and social problems in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The objective of this study was to assess the trainability of beggars and the destitute in Abakaliki Nigeria in order to provide scientific evidence required for the development of a policy on their health, vocational rehabilitation and social reintegration. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey of 50 purposively selected beggars and destitute persons identified from motor parks, church cathedrals, market places etc. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was based on mean rating (MNR), median rating (MDR), and range. Interview of each respondent lasted approximately 20 minutes. Of the 50 respondents who participated in this study, 17 (34%) were females. Most subjects were of age category 31-35 years (30%) and 36-40 years (34%). Fifteen (30%) admitted having sight impairment while 17 (34%) admitted that they were physically challenged. The outcome of the trainability assessment showed relatively high mean ratings (MNRs) ranging from 3.42-4.06 on a scale of 5 points. The findings of this study clearly suggest that there is a very high potential for the vocational rehabilitation and social reintegration of beggars and the destitute in the study area.

Abstract 1619: Cervical cancer screening knowledge and behavior among female undergraduates

Abstract Background; Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease that disproportionally affects women in developing countries with an estimated incidence rate of 33 cases per 100,000 women in Nigeria.. Over the year’s awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening services have remained poor in developing countries. Lack of knowledge and poor attitude towards the disease and risk factors can affect screening practice and development of preventive behavior for cervical cancer Objective; This study assessed the level of knowledge and barriers towards cervical cancer screening among female university students. Method; We conducted a cross-sectional study of 234 female students at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria from March to July 2017 using multistage sampling technique. Apretested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and screening history. Data were analysed with Epi info version 7.1.4. Results; Participants’ mean age was 22 years (sd=3).Of the respondents 79.5% were not aware of cervical cancer screening while 58.9% and 78.5% had poor knowledge on cervical cancer and Human papilomavirus vaccination respectively. Major sources of information were health workers 70% and 35% Radio while only 4.0% have had Pap smear test. Common barriers include lack of centres where such services are obtainable 88% and fear of cancer being discovered 9%. Reported risk factors were multiple sexual partners 24.2% and early onset of sexual intercourse 19.8%. A significant association was found between institutional and personal barriers and having a Pap smear test. Conclusion Comprehensive education on cervical cancer screening in universities is critical in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer. Few screening centres contributed to poor cervical screening uptake. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Joseph Agboeze, Matthew Igwe Nwali, Nkiru Ezeani. Cervical cancer screening knowledge and behavior among female undergraduates [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1619.

Analysis of risk factors for depression among patients with chronic low back pain in an orthopaedic clinic of a Nigerian teaching hospital.

Depression compounds the burden of chronic low back pain and has implications on the outcome of treatment. Published reports demonstrated a strong association between depression and chronic low back pain. However, there is very scanty data on predisposing factors for depression among these patients. To determine the risk factors for depression among patients with chronic low back pain in a Nigerian orthopaedic clinic setting. Three hundred (300) eligible, consenting and consecutive patients with chronic low back pain in orthopaedic clinic of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Nigeria were interviewed with Population and Pain Characteristics Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Major Depressive Episode of Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) over a period of 34 months. Statistically significant factors that emerged from Pearson chi-square test of association were entered into logistic regression analysis to evaluate the risk of each factor when adjusted to other factors.Depression was observed in 61(20.3%) of the patients interviewed. Seven factors for depression among these patients emerged from chi square test of association. Logistic regression analysis identified alcohol consumption, severe pain intensity, hypertension co-morbidity and prior traditional healer care as the independent risk factors for depression among the patients. The independent risk factors for depression identified in this study calls for maintaining a high level of suspicion in the patients with these risk factors to facilitate early recognition of depression, and a high priority accorded to them in the measures aimed at addressing depression for a good therapeutic outcome.

Stroke in Young Adults: Experience at Abakaliki South East Nigeria

Objectives: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is increasingly common from the sixth decade, but is particularly tragic when it occurs in young adults. There are limited studies of stroke in young adults in Nigeria. It is against this background that we embarked on this prospective hospital based study to determine the epidemiology, pattern and case fatality rate of stroke in young adults in Abakaliki Southeastern part of Nigeria. Patients and Method: The stroke patients between the ages of 18 - 50 years admitted to the medical wards of a tertiary health centre at Abakaliki Nigeria from 1st August 2012 to 30th April 2019 were consecutively recruited. They were followed up till discharge. Relevant data like biodata, and clinical features of the patients were extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 983 (males—511, females—472) stroke cases were seen with 197 between 18 - 50 years. One hundred and fifty two (77%) did neuroimaging (mean age—40.7 years). Eighty-eight (57.9%) had Cerebral infarct (males—42, females—46) while 64 (42.1%) had Hemorrhagic stroke (males—35, females—29). For those that had hemorrhagic stroke, 11 (17.2%) were Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) while 52 (82.8%) were Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The identified risk factors range from hypertension, DM, dyslipidemia, alcoholism, cigarette smoking, HIV infection and chronic use of coffee drinks. Sixteen patients died during the admission with case fatality rate of 10.5%. Conclusion: Stroke is actually prevalent in young adults as 1 in every 5 stroke patients seen was a young adult. In addition to the traditional risk factors, HIV/AIDS and chronic use of coffee drinks were also noted as emerging risk factors. There is need for a continuous health education and strong campaign on primary stroke prevention. Also, there is need for training of more neurologists with interest in stroke management and establishing comprehensive stroke centers at national, regional and local levels in order to contend adequately with the rising burden of stoke in young adults.

Cervical Cancer Screening Knowledge and Behavior Among Female Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian University

Background: Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease that affects women especially in developing countries. Over the years awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening services have remained poor in developing countries. Lack of knowledge and poor attitude toward the disease and risk factors can affect screening practice and development of preventive behavior for cervical cancer. Aim: This study assessed the level of knowledge and barriers toward cervical cancer screening among female university students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 234 female students selected by stratified random sampling techniques at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria. A pretested questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge, attitude and screening history. Data were analyzed with Epi info version 7.1.4. Results: Participants' mean age was 22 years (SD=3). Majority of the respondents 79.5% have not heard of screening, 58.9% knew that it can be prevented, 78.5% have not heard about HPV vaccine and only 4.0% have had Papanicolaou test. Common barriers include lack of centers where such services are obtainable (88%) and fear of cancer being discovered (9%). Reported risk factors were multiple sexual partners (24.2%) and early onset of sexual intercourse (19.8%). A significant association was found between institutional and personal barriers and having a Papanicolaou test. Conclusion: Comprehensive education on cervical cancer screening in universities is critical in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer. Few screening centers have also contributed to poor cervical screening uptake.