Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Screening Perceptions Among Women in Keffi, Nigeria: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women globally and a leading cause of mortality in Nigeria. Women’s knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and its screening significantly affect early detection and prevention. This study assessed knowledge and perceptions of cervical cancer and screening services among women of reproductive age at Federal Medical Centre Keffi.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 women aged 15–49 years attending clinics at the Federal Medical Centre Keffi. Systematic random sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires and analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences v26. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, with chi-square tests assessing associations between socio-demographics and knowledge/perceptions (p<0.05).
Results: Most respondents (90.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of cervical cancer causes and transmission, with Human Papilloma Virus infection (44.8%) and multiple sexual partners (32.3%) recognized as major risk factors. About 81.5% had good perception of screening, with 65.9% agreeing that screening aids early detection. Misconceptions included screening being unnecessary without symptoms (41.4%), potential infertility (15.6%), and high cost (31.0%). Knowledge and perceptions were significantly associated with age, education, and marital status (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Although knowledge and perception of cervical cancer screening were generally good, misconceptions and socio-cultural barriers persist. Targeted health education and community interventions are essential to improve informed decision-making in cancer screening. Therefore, experts and policy makers need to incorporate suitable culturally acceptable awareness campaigns into mainstream healthcare services in Nigeria to enhance cervical cancer screening uptake.
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