Knowledge Of Cervical Cancer Prevention Research Articles

An educational video's impact on knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening among Hispanic patients

An educational video's impact on knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening among Hispanic patients

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Healthcare Workers in Ekiti State, Nigeria on Prevention of Cervical Cancer

Purpose: The role of healthcare workers in cervical cancer prevention is pivotal because healthcare workers’ recommendations have been reported to be a key motivational factor for cervical cancer screening among women in Nigeria. Assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on cervical cancer prevention is necessary. Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional survey involving healthcare workers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A questionnaire designed for the study was used to obtain data about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the healthcare workers. Logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of practice and a p - value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Out of 188 participants that completed the study, 165(90.7%) had good knowledge about the prevention of cervical cancer while 24(13.2%) had good practice concerning the prevention of cervical cancer. positive attitude (Odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.14 - 1.35, p < 0.001) increased the odds of good practice. Conclusion: There was no association between the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and the practice of the healthcare workers. Further research is required to explore the incongruence between knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention and its practice.

Knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening among women at Thai Binh hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2023

Objectives: To describe knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening and to identify associated factors among women at Thai Binh Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2023. Participants and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among 400 women aged 21-65 years at Thai Binh Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology to collect data on knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening by using a self – reported questionnaire. The maximum score for the general knowledge was 46 points. Results: The percentage of participants with good knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening was 38.8%. Knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening was related to age, occupation, and education level. Conclusion: The knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening among the women in the research was quite low. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen communication and health education for women at the hospital by providing more information sheets (posters, leaflets...) about cervical cancer, vaccination and screening, therefore,they may improve their knowledge while getting the healthcare service at the hospital.

Prevalence and Correlates of Cervical Cancer Prevention Knowledge Among High School Students in Ghana.

Cervical cancer is a preventable yet highly prevalent disease in Africa. Despite female adolescents and young women being a target group for cervical cancer prevention strategies, little research has examined their knowledge of how to prevent the disease. The study aimed to describe: (a) knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and (b) sociodemographic, social, and systemic factors associated with and interacting with knowledge among female senior high school students in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey assessed knowledge about (a) risk factors and (b) primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer among 2,400 female students from 17 public senior high schools in the Ashanti region, Ghana. Descriptive statistics were used to describe knowledge. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to examine factors associated with knowledge scores. Knowledge gaps were observed for at least two-thirds (>65%) of students. Most students (mean age = 17) did not know that early sexual debut (before 18 years) is a risk factor for cervical cancer (72%) and that a blood test cannot detect cervical cancer (71%). Students in later stages of senior high school education and those who received sexual health education from teachers and parents had significantly greater cervical cancer knowledge scores than their counterparts. Interactive effects showed that school-based sexual health education was associated with higher knowledge scores than home-based education among students. Most female senior high school students had gaps in knowledge about cervical cancer prevention. Finding new ways to strengthen the capacity of schools and parents to deliver accurate cervical cancer prevention information is warranted.

Abstract C141: From insights to action: Engaging women living with HIV in the data-driven development of an mHealth intervention for cervical cancer prevention and HPV self-sampling

Abstract Background: Women living with HIV (WLH) face a higher risk of invasive cervical cancer (CC) due to a greater incidence and longer persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Health education programs, including text-messaging interventions, have demonstrated effectiveness in improving CC and HPV knowledge and promoting recommended screening. Emerging strategies involving self-collected cervicovaginal samples as an alternative to office-based HPV screening offer additional promise in reaching women who face several obstacles to timely care, such as WLH. Purpose: This mixed-methods study aims to describe the data-driven development of a four-week text-messaging intervention, named “My Self-Sampling, HPV Awareness, Results, and Empowerment (MySHARE)”, to improve CC prevention knowledge and promote HPV self-sampling among WLH. Methods: Surveys (n=81) and focus group discussions (FGDs; n=39) were conducted among WLH in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan region, with the findings guiding the development of MySHARE. Results: While most WLH indicated that in-person group sessions were their typical source of health information, they highlighted the impracticality of these sessions since the pandemic and expressed openness to a text-messaging intervention. Survey results informed the logistical aspects and functionality of the intervention, while FGD participants' responses, guided by constructs from the Protection Motivation Theory, shaped the content of the text-messaging library. The library covered topics such as CC and HPV knowledge, prevention behaviors, and HPV self-sampling. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the significance of engaging the target population in intervention development. WLH participants provided clear and actionable recommendations, which, together with best practices in digital health technology, directed decisions on the intervention delivery platform, messaging timing and frequency, and text-messaging content. Low-cost and accessible interventions like MySHARE have the potential to substantially enhance CC and HPV knowledge, as well as screening rates, among historically underserved populations, particularly during public health crises. Citation Format: Daisy Le, Annie Coriolan Ciceron, Min (Jaime) Jeong Jeon, Lorien C. Abroms, Carla J. Berg. From insights to action: Engaging women living with HIV in the data-driven development of an mHealth intervention for cervical cancer prevention and HPV self-sampling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C141.

Knowledge is power? Cervical cancer prevention in female OB/GYNs compared to other female physicians.

Cervical cancer (CC) screening and prevention are crucial responsibilities of obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs). Our study aimed to investigate whether knowledge impacts OB/GYNs' (n = 42) adherence to CC prevention measures by comparing them to non-OB/GYN physicians (n = 80). An anonymous questionnaire collected demographic information, personal screening habits and evaluated their knowledge of CC prevention. Results revealed that OB/GYNs exhibited superior knowledge of CC risk factors and prevention compared to non-OB/GYNs. Of note, a lower percentage of OB/GYN residents correctly identified the recommended upper age limit for cervical screening and for HPV vaccination compared to attending OB/GYNs (50% vs. 83%, p = 0.04 and 11% vs. 50%, p = 0.01, respectively). Despite these findings, most physicians from both groups recommended HPV vaccination. Cervical screening rates were similar between OB/GYNs and non-OB/GYNs (75% vs. 83%, p = 0.3). Half of OB/GYNs initiated their own cervical screening, similar to non-OB/GYNs. Interestingly, residents had higher HPV vaccination rates compared to attending physicians, irrespective of specialty (OB/GYNs - 38.89% vs. 4.76%, p = 0.0149; non-OB/GYNs - 51.06% vs. 15.38%, p = 0.0028). In conclusion, contrary to the assumption that physicians prioritize personal well-being, our study reveals the opposite. While skilled in guiding patients through CC screening and prevention, female OB/GYNs often neglect their own health. OB/GYNs must also be educated and supported in safeguarding their health, setting an essential example for patients.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Knowledge (Cckp-64) among Female Students in Novi Sad, Serbia during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Cervical cancer is a significant global health concern affecting young women, with over 500,000 new cases reported annually. This questionnaire-based study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention among female students at the University of Novi Sad during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Cervical Cancer Knowledge Prevention-64 (CCKP-64) tool. The study sample consisted of 402 predominantly 20-22-year-old female students from either social or technical science faculties in urban environments. Results revealed that out of the 402 female students involved in the study, most had a good general knowledge of primary prevention of cervical cancer, with a correct answer rate ranging from 29.9 to 80.6%. On the contrary, only 63.4% of female students have heard about the vaccine against cervical cancer; 52.0% know that the vaccine exists in Serbia; and 31.8% know where to get vaccinated. Only a small proportion of students (9.7%) have encountered cervical cancer among their relatives/friends and think that the disease could affect them in the future (25.4%). Older students (>26 years) generally (p < 0.05) had better knowledge regarding distressing symptoms of cervical cancer, cytological examination and secondary prevention; however, it was also noted that a significant percentage of this age group reported not having received vaccinations (53.0%, p = 0.001). This study underscores the need for increased awareness and education about the HPV vaccine and secondary prevention among young women in Serbia. Future research should investigate knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer prevention in diverse populations to develop effective interventions and strategies. These findings have implications for public health policies in Serbia to promote cervical cancer prevention among young women.

Impacto de una intervención educativa en el conocimiento de la prevención de la neoplasia del cuello uterino en estudiantes de enfermería y sus familias

A large number of factors influence the level of information that people may have regarding cervical cancer and the way to prevent it, since education is not only provided by health personnel but also by the family. When making important decisions regarding self-care, people must have effective sex education, in which protection is of vital importance, since misinformation is one of the main factors that promotes cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention in a group of nursing students and their families under the Nola Pender model. The method used in the study was a quasi-experimental, non-probabilistic sample; the knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and control was evaluated before and after the intervention, using the survey validated by Dr. Dina Rubio in 2009 (with her consent). The information was included in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet: the items were placed in columns and the subjects were included in the rows. Specific frequencies and absolute frequencies were calculated, the Nola Pender model was used for the analysis. The units of analysis were selected manually or randomly and these selections do not depend on probability but are generated based on the criteria of the researcher or the specific needs of the research. From a statistical point of view, information about what cervical cancer is, what it implies and how it behaves as a risk is engrained in the mental structure of the participants. To these implications of a technical and methodological nature, others of a structural and conceptual nature are added to build an integrative analysis of the results obtained in the field work. In this case, they include opinions, appraisals, judgments, and evaluations about cervical cancer. This research was organized in the following stages: (1) Evaluation of prior knowledge on cervical cancer prevention and control. The starting point of the investigation was the recognition that the participating women had a basic conceptual scaffolding, acquired through their own experience and self-training or by going to sources such as academia, social networks, specialized magazines, health institutions, medical staff and other specialists who help in the creation of an important background to consolidate an individual perspective. (2) Application of an educational intervention. In this stage, designed workshops were implemented and evaluated by the students with the advice of a teacher, and included the following topics: general concepts, signs and symptoms, associated risk factors, screening techniques, benefits, and exam precautions. The students contributed a theoretical, methodological and evaluative foundation to the design of each workshop, considering the expected training objectives, the characteristics included in its development, and a diversity of pedagogical actions that guarantee the efficiency of the transmitted message. (3) Reevaluation of the knowledge acquired. By applying a post-test, the knowledge acquired during the implementation of the workshops was recovered and resized. In this stage, the variability of the responses measured the transforming effect of the training, either by improving the knowledge acquired or by introducing new knowledge into the participant’s cognitive model. The perception that participants have about self-care practices is linked to their beliefs, denoting a favorable level of awareness and clarity, which makes it possible for the application of cytology to recognize the frequency of use, regularity over time, and attention to the results. In conclusion, when evaluating the impact of educational intervention through the Nola Pender model, changes in knowledge were found. Results also indicate that this is an ideal model for employees in heterogeneous popu lation groups in ages, educational levels, professional training, and sexual habits, because it integrates personal experience, the environment and health practices as three elements without which it is not possible to practice self-care and the culture of intervention. https://doi.org/10.16888/interd.2023.40.2.20

Knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and treatment, and willingness to receive HPV vaccination among college students in China

BackgroundCervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Up to 99% of cervical cancer cases are associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Sexual behavior is a direct risk factor for HPV infection, and sexually active college students, therefore, receive attention for HPV vaccination. At present, most Chinese studies lack of in-depth research on influencing factors, and are limited to cervical cancer, HPV, or HPV vaccine, without comprehensive consideration. This study investigated Chinese college students’ cervical cancer prevention and treatment knowledge level, and explored the influencing factors, and understood their willingness to receive HPV vaccination. The findings of this study will lay a foundation for promoting the early screening of cervical cancer and vaccination process.MethodsA total of 800 college students from four universities in Zhengzhou, China were selected by multistage random sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire on the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and treatment, and willingness to receive HPV vaccination was carried out. A logistic regression model was conducted to analyze factors influencing knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and treatment among college students.ResultsUp to 87.9% of college students said they had heard of cervical cancer. The proportion of college students with good knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and treatment was 46.7%. Logistic regression showed that gender, major, grade, level of education, the father's level of education, premarital sex attitude, and mother cervical cancer screening participation had a significant influence on cervical cancer prevention and treatment knowledge level (P < 0.05). In addition, 589 (74.0%) of college students had heard of HPV vaccine, and 92.8% of college students said they were willing to get vaccinated or recommended that their relatives and friends get vaccinated.ConclusionsThe knowledge level of cervical cancer prevention and treatment knowledge among college students in Zhengzhou is low. Many of them had poor knowledge about HPV vaccine, but their willingness to vaccination is high. Various health education modes should be carried out for people with different characteristics, to improve their knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and promote the vaccination process.

Assessing the interrelationship between stigma, social influence, and cervical cancer prevention in an urban underserved setting: An exploratory study.

In the US, incidence and mortality from cervical cancer disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minorities and low-income women. Despite affordable access to primary and secondary prevention measures at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening rates are low, suggesting the presence of non-financial barriers to uptake in this population. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study sought to explore factors that influence the acceptability of cervical cancer prevention services among parents and legal guardians of vaccine-eligible girls attending an urban FQHC and to assess social influences related to cervical cancer prevention. Participants included eight mothers, one father, and two grandparents/legal guardians. Nine participants self-identified as Black/Afro-Caribbean, or African American, two as Latinx, and one as Native American. The quantitative data suggested discordance between participants' cervical cancer prevention knowledge and their practices. Most indicated that their daughters had received the HPV vaccine but were unsure about HPV transmission modes. Qualitative data revealed that participants were comfortable disclosing information on HPV infection and vaccination status, and most women were likely to share information related to cervical cancer testing and diagnosis. Few comments indicated personal stigma on the part of participants, but there was frequent expression of perceived public stigma (shaming and blaming women), gender differences (men are indifferent to risk), and distrust of the healthcare system. Findings highlight several concepts including the disharmony between knowledge and practice, prevalent perceived public stigma, cumbersome attitudes on the part of men regarding HPV and cervical cancer, and distrust of the healthcare system.

Effects of mobile Health (mHealth) application on cervical cancer prevention knowledge and screening among women social support groups with low-socioeconomic status in Mysuru city, Southern India.

Cervical cancer is an important area of action because of the mortality and morbidity of the disease, and the potential for effective prevention by screening. Involving the social support groups by health education improves cervical cancer screening and early detection of the disease in the community. In the ongoing efforts to strengthen cervical cancer prevention, control, and management, digital health and technology will have a significant role to play. To assess the effectiveness of the mHealth-based intervention on cervical cancer preparedness among women social support groups. A pre-post interventional study was conducted among women social support groups from lower socio-economic status, identified from the field practice area. Purposive sampling technique was employed. A Cervical Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) instrument was used to assess the cancer preparedness among the social support group women After taking inputs from the stakeholders' mobile health application was developed. The mHealth educational intervention was given to 102 women. Both pre-and post-test questionnaires were administered through mHealth application to assess the change in knowledge after a gap of 1 month to 2 months. The data obtained was coded and entered into Microsoft Excel worksheet 2016 and was later imported and analyzed using SPSS version 22 (licensed to the Institute). The difference in median scores of knowledge and practice were interpreted as statistically significant at p value of < 0.05. Before the intervention only 13 (12.7%) of them had heard about cervical cancer. There was a significant increase in the knowledge about warning signs & symptoms, risk factors of cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination. Around 5% increase in Pap smear test uptake.

Tingkat Pengetahuan, Sikap dan Perilaku Mahasiswi Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Sumatera Utara Tentang Kanker Serviks

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. It can be prevented by HPV vaccination, pap smears examination, or avoidance of risk factors for cervical cancer. Objectives. To determined the level of knowledge, attitude and behavior about cervical cancer among students at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. Results: The highest percentage level of knowledge about cervical cancer and cervical cancer prevention was in a good category, 55 people (57.3%) and people (74%), respectively. In the category of attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention, the most common attitudes found were positive among as many as 96 people (100%). The behavior toward cervical cancer prevention, neutral behavior was the most common (82 people, 85.4%), followed by positive behavior (14 people, 14.6%) and negative behavior. Conclusion: Knowledge of cervical cancer is in a good category, knowledge of cervical cancer prevention is in a good category, and the attitude towards prevention of cervical cancer is in a positive category. The behavior toward cervical cancer prevention is in the neutral category.Keywords: attitudes, behavior, cervical cancer, prevention

Knowledge, and practice of cervical cancer prevention and associated factors among commercial sex workers in Shashemene Town, West Arsi, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe distribution of deaths and morbidities related to cervical cancer is disproportionally higher in low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, there is a limited study on cervical cancer prevalence on Sex Workers, but a study conducted in Central America risk of developing HPV infection in sex workers is 2.5 times more than the general population. But a study conducted in the general population in Ethiopia reports that the incidence and mortality due to cervical cancer in Ethiopia is 26.4 and 18.4/100,000 respectively. However, there is limited data on knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention among sexual sex workers in Ethiopia.MethodsA health institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to investigate the knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention and its associated factors among 405 women of commercial sex workers with a systematic random sampling technique and with an interviewr administered. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of knowledge and practice towards cervical cancer prevention with a p value < 0.05.ResultIn this study, three hundred eighty-five participants were included making a response rate of 95%. About half (50.1%) of respondents have knowledge regarding to cervical cancer, screening, and its prevention, and 20.3% of respondents were practiced cervical cancer screening. Having a history of use of combined oral contraceptives, AOR 2.190, (95% CI 1.374–3.492) and having a history of sexually transmitted infection, AOR 1.861, (95% CI 1.092–3.172). were significantly associated factors with knowledge of cervical cancer prevention. Regarding their uptake of cervical cancer screening, the level of knowledge was a significant factor, AOR 17.216 (95% CI 7.092–41.793).ConclusionsThe study participants have an average knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention and their practice was low as other women. Curtailing cervical cancer; through increasing their knowledge by integrating sexual and reproductive health services to cervical cancer screening clinics and equipping them with audiovisual materials that will increase their knowledge that end up with good uptake.

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening Uptake Among Female Non-Health Care Providers in Two Selected General Hospitals in Lagos State

Cervical cancer is an abnormal growth of the cells of the cervix which is the lower-most part of the uterus. This cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum. Therefore, this research was aimed at assessing the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening uptake among female non-health care providers working in various departments in two general hospitals in Lagos. Annually, in Nigeria 14,943 cases of cervical cancer are reported: out of these 10,403 women die leading to 28 deaths daily from cervical cancer. However, this needless death can be prevented if the cases are diagnosed early through the cervical screening, knowledge and uptake. The research adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey. The population comprises of 350 female non-health care providers from two selected general hospitals in Lagos Island. The sample size of 165 was determined using Leslie Kish formula. A self-developed and validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that 108 (65.5%) of the respondents knew that abnormal vagina bleeding and bleeding after intercourse are symptoms of cervical cancer while 102 (61.8%) showed that having multiple sexual partners is among the factors for acquiring cervical cancer. Furthermore 113 (68.5%) showed that cervical cancer is preventable while 118 (71.5%) believes that regular cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer and 148 (89.7%) were interested in participating in cervical cancer screening. The knowledge and prevention revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship between them. The research concluded that despite the adequate knowledge of cervical cancer screening as reported by the result, the level of screening is still low. It is hereby recommended that female non-health care providers should do cervical cancer screening regularly.

Perception and knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for cervical cancer prevention among fully vaccinated female university students in the era of HPV vaccination: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the perception and knowledge of cervical cancer prevention among fully vaccinated female university students in the era of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.DesignCross-sectional using a validated questionnaire.SettingFace-to-face interview at...

Cervical Cancer Prevention Education Program for Rural Korean Immigrant Women.

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a cervical cancer prevention education program for rural Korean immigrant women. A total of 46 Korean immigrant women who had not been screened in the past three years participated. The experimental group participated in the intervention program once a week for four weeks and completed a post-program survey in week 12. Compared to the control group, significant increases were detected in level of knowledge of cervical cancer prevention (p = .001), behavioral attitude toward cervical cancer prevention (p = .029) and behavioral intention regarding cervical cancer prevention (p = .005) in the experimental group. Pap screening rate of the experimental group was significantly increased (p = .029), but the rate of change in the selection of primary care providers was not significant. The results suggest the need for a multilevel approach to address cultural and systemic barriers to Korean immigrant women in promotion of cervical cancer prevention behavior.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cervical cancer prevention and pap smears in two low-income communities in Lima, Peru

BackgroundCervical cancer is a leading cause of death among Peruvian women. Barriers at multiple levels impact effective screening and treatment, including a lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and how regular screening can reduce morbidity and mortality through earlier detection. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer and its prevention in the peri-urban communities of Oasis and Pampas in southern Lima, Peru that can be used to inform future campaigns about cervical cancer prevention.MethodsA cross-sectional survey that included several open-ended questions was administered to women in Pampas and Oasis between 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer and Pap smears.ResultsIn total, 224 women were interviewed. Knowledge about cervical cancer and Pap smears was high, and attitudes were predominantly positive among most participants. Most participants knew how often they should get Pap smears (89.7%), when to begin seeking screening (74.6%), knew the price of a Pap smear (61.9%), and felt Pap smears were important for their health (70.1%). About one third (29.5%) of premenopausal women reported receiving a Pap smear in the last year. However, open ended questions revealed some knowledge gaps around Pap smears, as well as some stigma associated to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection.ConclusionAlthough knowledge of cervical cancer prevention was generally high and perceptions were positive among women in peri-urban Peruvian communities, our findings revealed there is a need for education on HPV infection prevalence among sexually active individuals to reduce stigma. Future research should focus on exploring experiences with follow-up and treatment associated with abnormal Pap smears, as well as perspectives from health authorities and professionals about barriers in the early detection and treatment process for cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Screening Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Women in the Shabadino District, Southern Ethiopia.

Background Cervical cancer is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide with an estimated 528,000 new cases and 266,000 deaths annually. In Ethiopia, there are 7095 new cases and 4732 deaths of cervical cancer every year. But cervical cancer screening utilization remains limited. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess cervical cancer screening utilization and associated factors among women in the Shabadino district, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Shabadino district, Southern Ethiopia, using a structured questionnaire. A systematic random sampling method was used to recruit 536 study participants. The collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with cervical cancer screening utilization at a 95% level of significance and a p value of less than 0.05. Results The study revealed that among 506 women, only 52 (10.3%) have been screened for cervical cancer. Women who are educated (completed primary school and above) (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.18-3.05), who have a history of the presence of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.26-5.23), who have multiple sexual partners (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.86-8.66), and who knew methods of cervical cancer prevention (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI = 1.18-13.05) were significantly associated with high cervical cancer screening utilization. Conclusion The magnitude of cervical cancer screening utilization among women was very low. Educational status, history of multiple sexual partners, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and knowing methods of prevention were significant factors of high cervical cancer screening utilization. Recommendation. It is very crucial to implement an appropriate awareness creation method. Additionally, the STI clinic should be linked to the cervical cancer screening service to increase the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and the utilization of cervical cancer screening.

The Influence of Health Literacy on Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening Practices among Female Undergraduates at a University in Southwest Nigeria

The global incidence of cancer is rising, and low-income and lower-middle-income countries have the worst figures. However, knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and cervical cancer screening practices remains poor in these regions. This study assessed the concept of health literacy as a potential determinant of knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening practices among female undergraduates. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 female undergraduates at a university in southwest Nigeria. A validated questionnaire composed of subscales on nine components of health literacy, knowledge of cervical cancer prevention, and cervical cancer screening practices was used for data collection. The majority of the respondents obtained a high score on most of the components of health literacy and 66% had good knowledge of cervical cancer prevention. Only 11% demonstrated good practices of Pap smear testing. Of all the components of health literacy, “feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers” (OR = 0.075; 95% CI [0.036–0.115]; p = 0.015) and “understanding health information well enough to know what to do” (OR = 0.055; 95% CI [0.006–0.104]; p = 0.029) were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer prevention. Out of the major challenges related to cervical cancer screening among undergraduates, the feeling of being at risk (OR = 4.71; p &lt; 0.05) and uncomfortable experiences from past screening (OR = 0.12; p &lt; 0.05) were significantly associated with going for cervical cancer screening. The study concluded that levels of health literacy influenced knowledge of cervical cancer prevention among female undergraduates, but it did not affect their engagement in cervical cancer screening practices.

Improving primary health care workers’ knowledge of cervical cancer and visual inspection screening techniques through competency-based training: prospects for expanding coverage in developing countries

Background: Health workers in resource-poor settings have not demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of visual staining procedures for cervical cancer screening. This study adopted competency-based training (CBT) to determine if it will improve their knowledge, and potentially expand screening coverage.Methods: A quasi-experimental (pretest-posttest) design was adopted in this study conducted among primary health care workers in Ethiope-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Southern Nigeria. The participants had a competency-based training following an initial assessment of their knowledge. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22. The main outcome measures were baseline knowledge of cervical cancer, its prevention, and visual inspection screening techniques, as well as the effect of CBT on knowledge.Results: Participants demonstrated correct knowledge of cervical anatomy/physiology and cervical cancer epidemiology/symptomatology to varying degrees, although their knowledge of visual inspection with acetic acid or Lugol’s iodine (VIA/VILI) was grossly inadequate as only half had adequate knowledge. Knowledge of prevention, performance of VIA and VILI, as well as overall knowledge, improved significantly to 100% post-intervention (p=0.002, p&lt;0.001 and p=0.003 respectively). Mean knowledge scores drastically increased among the PHWs between pre-CBT and post-CBT. The lowest mean difference was recorded for knowledge of cervical anatomy/physiology: 17.58 (CI: 8.16 - 27.00); while the highest was for knowledge of VILI/VIA technique: 41.01 (CI: 29.40 - 52.62).Conclusions: CBT significantly improved knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and visual inspection screening methods (VIA and VILI), indicating a window of opportunity for expanding screening services at primary health care level.