Cervical cancer screening: Knowledge, participation and associated factors among women in the dantokpa market in Benin

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is an important public health issue worldwide and the number of cervical cancer is increasing in Benin country. The study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and degree of participation of women with regard to screening, as well as the factors associated with it. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2020. A sample of 474 women was selected by three-stage cluster sampling. The women selling in the Dantokpa market, aged 25 to 65 were interviewed. Results: The mean age of the women was 40.20 years±10.66. The mean score for knowledge level about cervical cancer was 3.01±2.77 and that for knowledge level about screening was 2.72±3.07. The family history of gynecological cancers (p<0.0001), the level of knowledge about cervical cancer (p<0.0001), and the level of knowledge about cancer screening (p<0.0001) were significantly associated with the practice of screening. Conclusion: In order to increase the use of cervical cancer screening by market women, it is necessary to carry out large information campaigns to improve the level of knowledge of women in the market on the disease development and benefice of screening.