Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and its Screening Amongst Female Workers In Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Cervical cancer is an important women's reproductive health problem, especially in developing countries. Efforts towards its prevention worldwide have focused on screening women at risk of disease using Pap smears and treating pre-cancerous lesions. A good knowledge and understanding of the level of awareness of cervical cancer and its screening among female workers in Nnewi will help in creating population-specific health programs. Objectives: This is to determine the awareness of cervical cancer screening among female workers in Nnewi as well as ascertain the influence of age, educational status and marital status on the awareness of cervical cancer screening among this group. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among female workers in Nnewi who were selected using multi-stage approach between December, 2007 and January, 2008. Results: A total of 172 females responded. The mean age was 29.7 ± 8.8 years and the ages ranged from 15 to 65 years. A total of 146 respondents (84.9%) were aware of cervical cancer. One hundred and twenty-three respondents (71.5%) knew about the Pap smear screening test. Educational level was found to significantly affect the awareness of cervical cancer and Pap smear screening test. Age and marital status were found not to affect awareness of cervical cancer and Pap smear screening test. Conclusion: There is relatively high level of awareness of cervical cancer and Pap smear test among this group. Educational status was found to significantly influence the level of awareness of cervical cancer and its screening. Key words: cervical cancer, knowledge, screening. Afrimedic Journal 2010; 1(1): 31-3