Perceptions, awareness and health-seeking behaviour of women regarding cervical cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is a worldwide public health concern and most common cause of cancer related deaths in women. Whilst women in developed countries have shown an improved uptake of screening with reduced mortality from the disease, the same cannot be reported from less developed countries, as women are affected by the disease resulting in increased mortality and even death; this may be attributed to lack of resources and poor knowledge regarding the disease. PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions, awareness and health-seeking behaviour of women regarding cervical cancer in Nefas Silk Lafto Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS This study used a qualitative exploratory research design. Data collection occurred by interviewing 17 women at Woreda 11 Health Centre in Nefas Silk Lafto Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Two main themes emerged, knowledge and perspective on cervical cancer and health seeking and concerns about cervical cancer screening, with four categories each. The categories under knowledge and perspectives on cervical cancer were (1) awareness of cervical cancer, (2) symptoms pertaining to cervical cancer, (3) sources of information pertaining to cervical cancer and (4) women’s perspectives regarding cervical cancer. The categories under health seeking and concerns about cervical cancer screening were (1) lack of awareness regarding cervical cancer, (2) perceptions regarding cervical cancer, (3) timing and frequency and (4) promotion of cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION This study found the majority of the participants lacked knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, and that none of them had screened before. Most of the participants reported media as their primary source of health information, with none mentioning healthcare professionals as a source. These findings revealed there is a profound awareness and knowledge gap regarding cervical cancer and screening among women who participated in the study.Health StudiesM.P.H