Cervical cancer screening risk perception, uptake, and associated factors among female primary healthcare workers in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria as the second most prevalent gynecological malignancy among women. Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the knowledge, risk perception, utilization, and determinants of cervical cancer screening (CCS) among female primary healthcare workers in the Esan West local government area of Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 113 female primary healthcare workers was conducted using pretested self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 16. Sociodemographic characteristics, cervical cancer knowledge, risk perception, and screening uptake were assessed. The bivariable analysis utilized the Chi-square test, and the multivariable analysis employed binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 40.0 ± 7.5 years. All participants demonstrated knowledge of cervical cancer and screening, with 64.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55, 0.73) having adequate knowledge and 61.1% (95% CI: 0.52, 0.70) possessing positive risk perceptions. However, 18.6% had undergone CCS. Marital status was the sole significant factor associated with screening uptake (P = 0.042). The primary motivations for screening were knowledge of cervical cancer-related deaths (89.4%) and the pursuit of good health (78.9%). Among those who had never screened, the absence of symptoms (54.0%) was the prevailing reason. Conclusion: Despite a high level of knowledge and positive perceptions about cervical cancer and screening, the uptake of screening among primary healthcare workers was notably low. Addressing this disparity necessitates targeted interventions aimed at overcoming the identified barriers.

Keywords

• cervical cancer
• health workers
• screening
• women’s health