Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Cervical Cancer Among Women of Childbearing Age in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria
Abstract:
Cervical cancer (CCa) is the fourth
most frequent cancer in women worldwide, and the second most common cancer in women
living in developing countries. The study was done to determine the knowledge, attitude,
and practice of CCa prevention strategies among women of childbearing age in Enugu
State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study of 450 eligible women in Enugu
State who were selected by proportionate stratified random sampling method. Data
were collected electronically using KoboCollect app. Chi-square and bivariate logistic
regression model for statistical significance association estimates at 95% C I and,
P < 0.05 were done. The mean knowledge score was 3.38 ± 5.009 out of 29 points,
with only 5.1% of the respondents classified as having good knowledge. Muslims/traditionalists were 9.6 times more likely than Christians
to have good CCa knowledge (95% CI OR= 2.037 – 45.394). Respondents with secondary
education were 8 times less likely than those with tertiary education to have good
CCa knowledge (95% CI OR 0.034 – 0.415). Majority (71.6%) of the respondents were
classified as having a good attitude. Respondents with good CCa knowledge were 4.4
times more likely to have right CCa prevention attitude compared to those with poor
knowledge (95% CI OR= 0.053 – 0.985). 3.8% and 8.2% of the respondents have
ever screened for CCa and received HPV immunization respectively. Although the knowledge
and practice were very low, the CCa prevention attitude was good. Therefore, we
recommend targeted awareness and enlightenment of the public about CCa to achieve
optimal timely detection and treatment.
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