Knowledge and Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services among Nigerian Students

Abstract

This study assessed the knowledge of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women, and current screening practices among female students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 350 respondents. Semi-structured questionnaires were used. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents have heard about cervical cancer. Knowledge of predisposing factors for the disease was high for early exposure to sex (82%) and sex with multiple partners (70.6%). Only 15.7% knew that abnormal menstrual bleeding is symptomatic of cervical cancer; 14.9% perceived themselves to be susceptible while 2.6% had ever screened for the disease. Though awareness of cervical cancer and its predisposing factors was high, the perception of self-vulnerability and utilization of screening services were extremely low. Intense and integrated educational programs are urgently needed for this group.