Perception of cervical cancer

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer has had a devastating impact on women around the world and it is the leading cause of death from cancer among women in developing countries.

Objective: To determine knowledge, attitudes and practices on cervical cancer among the women of child bearing age.

Design: A cross sectional descriptive study that used both qualitative and quantitative methods data. The sample size was 384. Purposive sampling was used to select the study area and respondents are selected as they sought reproductive services at the Pumwani maternity hospital.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30.41 years ±7.887 (95%CI 29.62- 31.21). Majority (78.4%) of the respondents were married and slightly above half (54.2%) had secondary education. The median number of children was 2.0. Slightly above half (59.4%) had ever heard of cervical cancer, and this information was obtained from other women (46.8%). Having many sexual partners was reported as the main (34.6%) cause of the cancer. Almost half (49.2%) reported that bleeding after menopause as a major symptom. Majority (62.6%) knew that cancer of the cervix can be prevented by screening. A big proportion (60.2%) reported that all women can get the cancer, while 27.4% did not know. A very small (7.6%) proportion had ever been screened on cervical cancer. Then average number of times one has had a pap smear was l. Fear (51.9%), shame (22%) lack of information (18.9%) were the major reasons for not going for screening. These women stated that "they are shy to show their private parts to the doctor".

Conclusion: The knowledge on cervical cancer and methods of prevention is low and utilization of screening services very low in this community. Fear and shame are the reasons for non utilization of screening service. The study recommended that, health committee in collaboration with DHMT should increase community awareness on cervical cancer and importance of cervical cancer screening by using community meeting, media i.e. television and radio).