Knowledge of cervical cancer and attitude to cervical cancer screening among women in Somolu Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women globally, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women in developing countries. The study was carried out to determine the knowledge of cervical cancer and attitude to its screening among women in Somolu Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods: The study employed a descriptive design. A pre-tested, self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 260 women who were recruited by multi-stage sampling method. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 28.3 ± 8.36 years with 161 (61.9%) being single. One hundred and fifteen (44.2%) were aware of cervical cancer and 47 (18.1%) had good knowledge. Among those aware of cervical cancer, 37 (32.2%) had negative attitude while 78 (67.8%) had positive attitude to cervical cancer screening.

Conclusion: The respondents had a poor knowledge of cervical cancer but a positive attitude to its screening. Using the electronic media, the LGA authority should intensify public educational programmes about cervical cancer among women of all ages.