Project Materials

KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG FEMALE PART-TIME STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

Cervical cancer remains the most prevalent malignant tumour of the female genitalia, and the second most common cancer in women. Cervical cancer screening detects the possibility of malignancy. The primary goal of the study was to investigate the awareness and acceptance of cervical cancer screening among female part-time students at University of Benin. The study’s premise was that there was no association between awareness of cervical cancer and acceptability of cervical cancer screening. The study was conducted using a survey research design. Simple random sampling was employed to choose the sample. The sample comprised of 200 female part-time students at the University of Benin. The data was acquired via a questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that slightly more than half (74%) of the respondents were between the age of 20-25 years, 58 (77%) respondents could not remember the age of their first sexual intercourse, the majority 168 (86%) of respondents have heard about cervical cancer; the majority 126 (63%) respondents heard about cervical cancer from the media, 102 (51%) participants explained cervical cancer as an abnormal lesion on the cervix, 64 (32%) respondents stated that unprotected sexual intercourse is a risk factor for cervical cancer, 60 (30%) respondents stated that abnormal vaginal bleeding is a sign of cervical cancer, 120 (60%) respondents stated that cervical cancer can be detected by cervical cancer screening, and the majority 194 94 (47%) of respondents strongly agreed that cervical cancer screening is vital. The majority 144 (72%) of the respondents had no intention of attending for cervical cancer screening; the majority 80 (40%) of respondents felt that a lack of understanding about cervical cancer screening is a significant obstacle to cervical cancer screening. The study advises, among other things, that nurses focus more on providing Information Education and Communication (IEC) at all levels of health care delivery for cervical cancer screening. A cervical cancer screening centre should be established in the University of Benin health centre at a subsidised rate so that female students can conveniently access the service.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Cervical cancer is the most frequent malignancy among women globally, particularly those aged 20 to 39. It contributes significantly to the cancer burden in all cultures and economies.

Cervical cancer also causes approximately 270,000 deaths worldwide, the vast majority of which occur in less developed countries (Imam, 2008).

Cervical cancer kills more than 270,000 people worldwide each year, accounting for 9% of all female cancer deaths. 85% of occurrences occur in impoverished areas, particularly Africa (Campbell, 2008).

Cervical cancer remained the second highest cause of cancer mortality in women, following breast cancer, and the fifth most lethal malignancy, accounting for nearly 10% of cancer deaths (Okonofua, 2007).

Developing nations have a disproportionate burden, accounting for 80% of the 250,000 cervical cancer deaths in 2005 (WHO, 2007; Uysal & Birsel, 2009).

Cervical cancer is a malignant cancer of the uterine cervix or cervical region. This occurs when normal cells in the cervix transform into cancer cells (Arbyn 2005).

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is a prerequisite for the development of almost all cases of cervical cancer. Sexually transmitted human papillomavirus infection causes cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer (Colga).