Assessment of Knowledge and Acceptability of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Child-Bearing Women in Rural Communities of Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Although cervical cancer is preventable, it is still a significant public health problem for women in developing countries due to the lack of early detection and screening programs. Despite the lack of awareness and socio-cultural barriers, poverty and limited access to health services, uptake of cervical cancer screening services in Nigeria especially in rural communities is low. The current study aimed to evaluate knowledge and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among child bearing women in rural communities of Yobe State, Nigeria. The study was conducted using descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The study population consisted of women of reproductive age from selected rural communities, Yobe State. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results of past and related research revealed that women’s knowledge about cervical cancer was low even after they heard of the disease, while knowledge about prevention, screening, causes and risk factors were still low. The study also noted that education, work, cultural beliefs, fear of diagnosis, husband’s influence and the availability of health care facilities were important factors affecting the acceptance of cervical cancer screening services. Low awareness and misconceptions about cervical cancer screening were found to be significant barriers to uptake of screening among rural women. The study has found that lack of knowledge has a significant impact on acceptability and utilization of cervical cancer screening services among child bearing women in rural areas. The study advocated for strengthening public health education to boost awareness, community-based initiatives to raise awareness, embedding cervical cancer screening within primary healthcare services, introducing subsidized screening programs, and improving the availability of screening centres in rural areas to facilitate early detection and minimize the burden of cervical cancer in rural communities.