KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF PAP SMEAR AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, OWERRI, IMO STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Cervical cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers affecting women, with approximately 80% of cases originating in developing nations. Effectual screening programs offer a means of significantly preventing cervical cancer. However, in Owerri, Imo State, opportunistic screening has not yielded adequate results.
Aim and objectives: This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women attending the antenatal care clinic at the Federal Medical Center, Owerri, concerning the Pap smear screening.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 400 women attending the antenatal care clinic at the Federal Medical Center, Owerri, was conducted. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire containing 50 items. Data collection took place between March 2023 and June 2023. Respondents were selected through simple random sampling. Demographics information were presented descriptively with frequently tables and percentages.
Results: The participants’ mean age was 30±5.21 years, with a significant portion being married (78.0%) and possessing tertiary education (66.5%). Approximately 64% of respondents were unfamiliar with the Pap smear procedure, while 42.0% acknowledged its necessity in cervical cancer prevention. A mere 8.7% recognized the essential role of the Pap smear in early detection of cervical cancer, and 53.2% were uncertain about the difficulty of undergoing a pap smear. In terms of practice, only 22.8% had ever undergone a Pap smear, 77.0% had never recommended it to others and merely 16.8% had requested a Pap smear from their Doctor.
Conclusion: Participants exhibited a basic awareness of the Pap smear but displayed uncertainty or lack of awareness regarding cervical cancer screening. Additionally, a considerable proportion of respondents had never undergone a Pap smear, nor perceived the necessity to do so. There is an imperative need to establish a sustainable awareness campaign focused on cervical cancer prevention, further emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive nationwide screening program across health care facilities.
Keywords: Cervical cancer, Screening, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Imo.
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