Perception and Practice of Cervical Cancer Screening among Female Professionals Attending Gynaecology Clinic at A University Teaching Hospital

Authors

  • George U Eleje Effective Care Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, P.M.B. 5025 Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • JohnBosco E Mamah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. Author
  • Uchenna C Chijioke-Ofoma Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, United States. Author
  • Chinekwu S Anyaoku Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria. Author
  • Theophilus N Agbo Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Obiora Donatus Ugwu Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Kingsley E Ekwuazi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Nigeria. Author
  • Arinze A Onwuegbuna Department of Ophthalmology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Author
  • Boniface C Okpala Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Obinna K Nnabuchi Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Toochukwu B Ejikeme Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Author
  • Stanley C Egbogu Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Author
  • Ngozichukwu G Uzoewulu Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Author
  • Ifeanyi J Onyekpa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria. Author
  • Nnanyereugo L Onah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria. Author
  • Chika I Ofiaeli Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria. Author
  • Charlotte B Oguejiofor Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • James E Okonkwo Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • John E James Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Obinna C Okafor Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Chukwuemeka C Okoro Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Chigozie G Okafor Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Chijioke O Ezeigwe Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Michel C Egbuniwe Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, United Kingdom. Author
  • Emmanuel C Egwuatu Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Author
  • Boniface U Odugu Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria. Author
  • Sylvester O Nweze Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria. Author
  • Ekene A Emeka Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria. Author
  • Onyeka C Ekwebene Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JDCRS/2023(4)135

Keywords:

Cervical Cancer Screening, Female Professionals, Nnewi

Abstract

Background: By using the right screening tools and preventative measures, cervical cancer can be avoided. However, the underuse of preventative measures is caused by a lack of information and awareness. Professional women with sufficient knowledge can have a significant positive impact on the attitudes and behaviours of the broader public. So, we evaluated how professional women perceived and used cervical cancer screening.

Objectives: To evaluate how female professionals who visit gynaecology clinics view and approach cervical cancer screening.

Methods: A cohort of 160 consenting female professionals working at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria, were used in this facility-based, single-center, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Participants filled up questionnaires about their knowledge assessment, screening for cervical cancer, and personal characteristics that influence them. Simple percentages, charts, and IBM SPSS Statistics 26 for Windows, version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) were used to portray and analyse the data.

Results: The analysis employed a total of 160 questionnaires completed by research participants. All of the selected female professionals knew about cervical cancer screening, with nurses (49.3%) making up the majority. However, just 29.6% of them were aware that cervical cancer is connected to sexually transmitted diseases, and 33.2% were unaware that it is connected to age at first sexual activity. Only 93.2% of respondents had heard of Pap smears, despite the fact that every respondent had heard and read about cervical cancer and its screening. Despite the knowledge, only 44 (27.5%) had performed Pap tests and only 76(47.5%) had ever recommended cervical cancer screening to people. Of the women surveyed, 148 (92.5%) said they would be willing to have a cervical cancer screening, while 18 (11.25%) said they would decline.

Conclusion: Despite more knowledge and awareness, the rate of cervical cancer screening among female professionals in Nnewi is still below average and insufficient. Cervical cancer can be avoided. Eliminating the morbidity and mortality frequently linked with cervical cancer would need deliberate efforts to increase screening methods' uptake and utilisation.  

Author Biographies

  • George U Eleje, Effective Care Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, P.M.B. 5025 Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    George U Eleje, Effective Care Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, P.M.B. 5025 Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • JohnBosco E Mamah, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria.

    JohnBosco E Mamah, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria.

  • Uchenna C Chijioke-Ofoma, Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, United States.

    Uchenna C Chijioke-Ofoma, Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, United States.

  • Chinekwu S Anyaoku, Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria.

    Chinekwu S Anyaoku, Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria.

  • Theophilus N Agbo, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Theophilus N Agbo, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Obiora Donatus Ugwu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Obiora Donatus Ugwu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Kingsley E Ekwuazi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Nigeria.

    Kingsley E Ekwuazi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Nigeria.

  • Arinze A Onwuegbuna, Department of Ophthalmology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

    Arinze A Onwuegbuna, Department of Ophthalmology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

  • Boniface C Okpala, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Boniface C Okpala, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Obinna K Nnabuchi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Obinna K Nnabuchi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Toochukwu B Ejikeme, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

    Toochukwu B Ejikeme, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

  • Stanley C Egbogu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

    Stanley C Egbogu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

  • Ngozichukwu G Uzoewulu, Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

    Ngozichukwu G Uzoewulu, Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

  • Ifeanyi J Onyekpa, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.

    Ifeanyi J Onyekpa, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.

  • Nnanyereugo L Onah, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.

    Nnanyereugo L Onah, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.

  • Chika I Ofiaeli, Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria.

    Chika I Ofiaeli, Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria.

  • Charlotte B Oguejiofor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Charlotte B Oguejiofor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • James E Okonkwo, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    James E Okonkwo, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • John E James, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    John E James, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Obinna C Okafor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Obinna C Okafor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Chukwuemeka C Okoro, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Chukwuemeka C Okoro, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Chigozie G Okafor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Chigozie G Okafor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Chijioke O Ezeigwe, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Chijioke O Ezeigwe, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Michel C Egbuniwe, Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, United Kingdom.

    Michel C Egbuniwe, Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, United Kingdom.

  • Emmanuel C Egwuatu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

    Emmanuel C Egwuatu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

  • Boniface U Odugu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.

    Boniface U Odugu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.

  • Sylvester O Nweze, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.

    Sylvester O Nweze, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.

  • Ekene A Emeka, Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria.

    Ekene A Emeka, Department of Family Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria.

  • Onyeka C Ekwebene, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States.

    Onyeka C Ekwebene, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States.

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Published

2023-07-21

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2023): Volume 4 Issue 3

Section

Articles