Knowledge and Attitudes of Women towards Human Papilloma Virus and HPV Vaccine in Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection. HPV can cause cervical cancer and other cancers of the genitals, neck and throat. Two HPV vaccines are available, Cervarix and Gardasil, which are the first vaccines directed at the prevention of cervical cancer. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge of human papilloma virus and HPV vaccine among rural women in Vhembe district in Limpopo Province. A quantitative descriptive approach was adopted. The quantitative design enabled the discovery of more information by means of direct questioning of a sample of women 30years and older. A convenience sampling was used to select 1546 respondents. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The findings revealed that (97.8%) of women lacked knowledge about Human Papilloma Virus and HPV vaccine and were also not aware of the transmission methods of HPV virus. Furthermore (94.3%) were not aware who was eligible for HPV vaccine and the age range for vaccination and (92.1%) displayed negative attitudes to the use of vaccines if given a pamphlet to let their daughters be immunized. The awareness on human papilloma virus and HPV vaccine among women in Vhembe district is limited. There is a need to educate and promote awareness on cervical cancer screening methods among women to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality.Keywords: Attitudes, Cervical cancer, Knowledge, Human Papilloma Virus, Human Papilloma Vaccin

Knowledge and practices of women regarding cervical cancer prevention at Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province

MCurDepartment of Advanced Nursing ScienceCervical cancer remains one of the major public health problems globally, despite the fact that it is preventable and curable if identified at an early stage. Currently, cervical cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Sub-Saharan Africa where the knowledge about the disease is scarce among the affected population. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted in Thulamela Municipality of Limpopo Province. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention among women in four villages in Thulamela Municipality. The population of the study was composed of all women aged above 30 in the villages Malamulele, Mhinga, Muledane and Phiphidi. A sample of one thousand five hundred and forty-six (1546) was drawn using random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a twenty-six-item questionnaire. The data were coded and then processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to produce frequency tables and descriptive statistics such as chi-square and correlation. Results A number of findings were made in this study. The majority of the women in this study had little or no knowledge about cervical cancer, human papilloma virus and vaccines. The majority of the women had little or no knowledge on cervical cancer risk factors and how the disease is spread. These findings were confirmed by chi-squared values at p<0.05 and showed significant association between variables: that young women were likely to be aware of cervical cancer compared to elderly women, educated women were more likely to be knowledgeable about cervical cancer than those with low education attainment, elderly women were more likely to be not worried about cervical cancer compared to young women. Correlation, Pearson rho scores at p<0.05 showed significant correlations knowledge of cervical cancer and age (negative), knowledge and education (positive). The findings signified the need for cervical cancer prevention education in Vhembe District, and the need for primary health care nurses to promote access to such services through robust health education. vi Recommendations The study made a number of practical recommendations likely to educate women about cervical cancer, human papilloma virus and its prevention. These include: The possibility of large hospitals having their own small broadcasting stations that will frequently disseminate information throughout the local municipalities, road shows and use of informal sector like politicians and traditional healers in disseminating information

Development of a training programme to enhance cervical cancer screening in Limpopo Province

PhD (Health Studies)Department of Advanced Nursing ScienceHigh inadequacy rates have significant associated opportunity cost, as women need to be rescreened in the event of inadequate specimen. Therefore, evaluation of specimen adequacy is the most important aspect of the quality assurance component and precise diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to develop a training programme to strengthen cervical cancer screening programme in Limpopo Province. The population of the study were health care professional’s age between 35-60 years both gender. A mixed-method sequential design was used in this study. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase one was a situational analysis, followed by the development of a training program in phase two, and the d validation of the developed programme in phase three. In phase 1a a qualitative exploratory, descriptive design was used and the quantitative approach followed a descriptive, analytic survey design. After obtaining the permission from the department of health, the researcher phoned the selected clinics securing the appointment with operational managers, senior health care professionals and health care professionals to meet the selected participants. Qualitative data were collected from professional nurses using a semi-structured face-to-face interview using an interview guide. The quantitative data were collected from operational nurse managers and senior nurse managers through a self-administered questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed using Tesch’s open coding method while quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The findings were merged using a joint display to determine the extent to which the two data confirm, contradict, or expand. The study revealed that structural factors such as lack of space and material resources and human resource factors such as attitudes and lack of competence contributed to inadequacy rate and failure to reach the set targets. A training programme was developed based on the findings, theoretical framework and SAQA guidelines. Validation was done with the aid of the Delphi technique in reaching consensus of the developed training programme by expert panelist of health professionals. The study recommends that health care professionals should maintain good standards of practice, and these can be achieved through competency training.NR

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding cervical cancer prevention at Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province

Background: Cervical cancer is a widespread and often fatal disease that affected 1 million women globally in 2005. Not only is it the second most common cancer in women but it was also the second leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for over 250 000 in 2006. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding cervical cancer prevention among rural women in Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive approach was adopted. The quantitative design enabled the discovery of more information by means of direct questioning of a sample of women aged 30 years and older. A convenience sampling was used to select the respondents. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Measures to ensure ethical issues were adhered to. Results: The findings revealed that women lacked knowledge about cervical cancer and preventive methods, and displayed positive attitudes to the use of services if made available as health workers did not adequately inform them about the availability of the services. Conclusion: The awareness of cervical cancer among women in Vhembe District is limited. There is a need to educate and promote awareness of cervical cancer among women to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Attitudes, knowledge, practices, cervical cance