International Journal of Research in Oncology
Open AccessBehavioral Patterns and Perceptions on Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women under a Protracted Armed-Violence in Ekona, Cameroon
Authors: Adeh Nsoh Sylvester, Bih Ketly Adeh, Tem Randy Tem.
Abstract
Introduction: Globally, screening is currently the most cost-effective tool for early detection of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, uptake is low in Cameroon. Perceptions and health-behavior may be explanatory but their levels remain unknown in Ekona.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study on behavioral patterns and perceptions vis-à-vis cervical cancer screening among women in Ekona. Sampling was multi-staged, ending in a simple random sample of 368 participants, a sample size based on Yamane’s formula. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires.
Results: The study revealed high approval of frequent cervical cancer screening but its importance was less affirmed (87.5% and 56.2% of 365 women respectively). Reportedly, cervical cancer screening services (CCSS) were mostly used with an objective of diagnosing an infection (53.2% of 283 respondents). Geographical inaccessibility, psychological indisposition and forgetfulness of screening dates (42%, 40% and 31,9% respectively), were the most prevalent limitations to uptake of a service.
Conclusion: Frequent use of CCSS was highly accepted while its importance was relatively less affirmed. Checking for an infection was the most prevalent motivation for using a service while use was, reportedly, limited by psychogeographical inaccessibility and forgetfulness of screening dates. Further studies are recommended.
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