Authors: Ibe Sally NO, Osuala Eunice O, Ezurike Chikodi IM, Nwufo Chinyere R , Ezeama Martina C, Ezenwuba Clementina O, Chukuka Kingsley N
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria and there is low uptake of cervical cancer screening. This study determined the knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and screening among women of child bearing age in Oraifite community, South-Eastern Nigeria, in other to predict uptake of cervical cancer screening. Descriptive study design was employed for the study and sample size of 400 was drawn from the target population of 15,955. The respondents were selected using the multistage sampling technique. Instrument for data collection was the structured questionnaire and data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The result showed that more respondents 159 (39.75%) had secondary level education, more 262 (65.5%) were married, more 138 (34.5%) had parity of 3-4, more 133 (33.3%) were trading/business as occupation. 221 (55.3%) had ever heard of cervical cancer, while only 32 (8%) had ever heard of cervical cancer screening. Only 28 (7%) had overall high knowledge score (70% & above) of cervical cancer and screening and 99 (24.8%) had overall moderate knowledge score (50 to 69%), while 273 (68.2%) had overall low knowledge score (49% & below). Overall total positive perception responses (3147, 71.52%) was higher than overall total negative responses (1253, 28.48%). Socio-economic factors, knowledge and perception are crucial in uptake of screening based on the assumption that they predict behavior. The very low number of respondents who had ever heard of cervical screening and overall low knowledge level predict low uptake of screening. Positive perception alone without knowledge will be a weak driving force based on the assumption that information is power. There is need for programs that will increase knowledge and build capacity for informed choices such as uptake of cervical cancer screening.
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