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.