Awareness and Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women in an Urban Area in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer of the cervix is the commonest cause of cancer death in women worldwide. This study assessed the awareness level and pattern of utilization of cervical cancer screening test among women of different professions in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used and respondents were selected from four different professions. Results: About 40% of respondents had heard of cervical cancer prior to the survey and only 40.5% were aware of cervical screening tests. Among those who were aware of the screening tests, 16% had ever utilized cervical cancer screening tests. Conclusion: This study established low cervical cancer awareness level and low utilization rate of cervical cancer screening among respondents. Therefore, there is need for sustained and concerted community health awareness most importantly at the grassroots in order to increase awareness and utilization rate of cervical cancer screening among the sampled populace

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