A STUDY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF, ATTITUDE TO AND PRACTICE OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AND HPV VACCINATION IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AS SEEN IN EDO SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth-most common type of cancer and cause of death from cancer in women. Cervical cancer is a disease where the cells of the cervix become abnormal and start to grow uncontrollably. Approximately 90% are squamous cell carcinomas and the remaining 10% are adenocarcinomas. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the commonest viral infection of the reproductive tract and is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Even though it is sexually transmitted, HPV transmission does not require penetrative sexual intercourse. Skin-to-skin genital contact is a well-established mode of transmission. The aim of this study was to access a study of the knowledge of, attitude to and practice of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination in women of reproductive age as seen in Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. METHODOLOGY: This study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A simple random sampling method was utilized and the women were selected using the computer-generated random numbers. The minimum sample size was determined using the Cochran’s formula estimating it at 310 respondents. The data were collected using a questionnaire over a specified period and analyzed using SPSS version 22. The findings were presented using tables and diagrams. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that 91.1% of the participating respondents were aware of cervical cancer. About 70.3% of the participating respondents were aware of cervical cancer screening with 68.1% aware of Pap smear, 0.6% for HPV testing, and 0.3% for liquid brush cytology. Eighty eight (88.4%) of the respondents think cervical cancer screening is very important to women’s reproductive health. Eighty nine (89.7%) of respondents have never had a Pap smear or HPV test done. Sixty four (64%) of respondents have recommended cervical cancer screening or HPV vaccination to friends or family members. Majority of the respondents which is about 36.8% were influenced to undergo cervical cancer screening or receive HPV vaccination because they were educated on cervical cancer screening and its prevention.