Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening...

Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening at Antenatal Clinic in Obingwa Primary Healthcare Abia State

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A research work conducted by Mr Obinna in Abia State college of health sciences and management Technology Aba which was supervised by Dr Mrs Toyin Onwuka on cervical cancer.

Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening at Antenatal Clinic in Obingwa Primary Health Care Abia State
Francis Obinna

Cervical cancer is a malignant growth that develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The primary cause of cervical cancer is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).

Globally, an estimated 493,000 cases of cervical cancer occur annually, resulting in 273,500 deaths. Developing countries account for approximately 85% of the global burden of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. According to Mr. Obinna’s research, the incidence rate of cervical cancer in the study population was 25.2%, the mortality rate was 23.2%, and the 5-year prevalence was 27.6%.

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In many developing countries, including Nigeria, women of childbearing age face numerous challenges in terms of social, cultural, and health factors. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects poor, illiterate women living in rural areas, reflecting their limited access to healthcare, as well as gender and economic inequalities.

Studies conducted by Mr. Obinna on awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer among women in Southwestern Nigeria and Eastern parts of Nigeria revealed that knowledge of the disease is generally poor or below average. Notably, approximately 1-3% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer are pregnant or in the postpartum period at the time of diagnosis. Of these cases, around half are diagnosed prenatally, while the other half are diagnosed within 12 months after delivery. Given these findings, it is crucial to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of antenatal women regarding cervical cancer screening in Obingwa Local Government Area, southeastern Nigeria.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of women attending antenatal clinics regarding cervical cancer screening in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State, southeastern Nigeria. The study was carried out between June 1, 2018, and August 5, 2018.

According to  the projected population of Obingwa in 2017 was 140,100, with 51,786 females. Reports indicate that only 9.1% of women of reproductive age in Abia State attended at least one antenatal visit. In Obingwa, primary healthcare centers had a total of 4,643 women of reproductive age registered, while 547 visited these centers during the study period (based on monthly health facility records from 2017).

Mr. Obinna’s study found that a majority of respondents were aware of cervical cancer screening and knew where to access it. However, despite the high awareness, there was a notable lack of understanding about the treatability of cervical cancer. Age and education level were significant factors influencing participation in screening programs.

The author recommends implementing educational programs that utilize peer-to-peer approaches to emphasize the importance of cervical cancer screening. Additionally, government support for funding these programs is crucial to increase awareness and reduce the risk of cervical cancer. It is imperative to act now to improve the health and well-being of the community.

It is therefore recommended that health workers should prioritize educating women about cervical cancer during antenatal visits, as many of the women studied lacked fundamental knowledge about its causes, prevention, and risk factors.

Background: Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern globally, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding cervical cancer screening among women attending antenatal clinics in Obingwalocal government of Abia state  southeastern Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 231 women attending antenatal clinics in four selected public primary healthcare centers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test to examine the influence of age and education level on cervical cancer screening.

Results: A significant portion of participants (68.8%) were aware of cervical cancer screening, with friends and acquaintances as the primary source of information (52.8%). However, despite awareness, many lacked understanding of the disease’s causes (19%), prevention (13.9%), risk factors (20.8%), and treatment (23.4%).

A notable number believed they were too young for cervical cancer (25.5%) or that screening was only for older women (22.9%). Cost (29.4%) and privacy concerns with male doctors (34.6%) were significant barriers to screening.

Age was found to be a significant factor influencing screening participation (χ2 = 104.37; DF = 10; P < 0.001).

Despite the research conducted by Mr. Obinna, many women in the community remain unaware of cervical cancer. The government must play a pivotal role in educating and promoting women’s health. A comprehensive campaign is needed to raise awareness about cervical cancer, its consequences, and the importance of screening, particularly among women of childbearing age. The disease has led to numerous deaths and infertility among women in the community, highlighting the urgent need for action to reduce its impact.

To prevent, prolong, and promote the lives of women, we urge the government to take immediate action to address this pressing issue. Together, we can make a difference.

The research titled “Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening at Antenatal Clinics in Obingwa Primary Healthcare, Abia State” was conducted in 2018. It was submitted to the Department of Community Health Technology at the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, Aba. The research was first published in July 2018 by ASCOMATH Press.

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