Cervical cancer knowledge and screening practices among women of reproductive age in Benin City, Edo State

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in developing countries including Nigeria and contributes signicantly as a major cause of death among women of reproductive age. This study was conducted to assess knowledge and cervical cancer screening practices among women of reproductive age in Benin City, with a view to planning programs to improve cervical cancer screening uptake in our environment.

Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study design was utilized for this study involving researcher administration of semi-structured questionnaires to 235 consenting women of reproductive age (15-49years) attending immunization clinics in Benin City. The data collected were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 with statistical signicance set at p<0.05 and 95% Condence Interval.

Results: The mean age and parity of respondents studied was 28.8 ± 7.4 years and 2.19 ±1.85children respectively. One hundred and thirteen (48.1%) of the women studied were aware of cervical cancer with 57(50.4%) having good knowledge of cervical cancer. Furthermore, in relation to cervical cancer screening only 31(27.4%) of respondents studied had previously been tested. In relation to knowledge on cervical cancer, primary level of education (OR=0.095; 95% CI=0.019 – 0.475) was the only signicant predictor identied, while parity (OR=0.157; 95% CI=0.025 – 0.969) was the only signicant predictor identied that inuenced screening practice.

Conclusion: This study identied poor knowledge of cervical cancer and low practice of cervical screening among women of reproductive age. There is need to create and strengthen cervical cancer awareness campaign and screening practices among women.