Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Prevention Practices among Female Civil Servants in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a potentially preventable disease if appropriate screening and prophylactic strategies are employed. However, the lack of knowledge and prevention practices can result in the underutilization of preventive strategies. Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the cervical cancer knowledge and prevention practices among female civil servants in Awka South Local Government Area. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional research survey design was used to accomplish the purpose of the study. A self-structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the sample of 335 female civil servants, while313 returned rate of female civil servants was used to analyze the data. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the research questions, while Chi-Square and ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. Results:  Findings revealed that 194 (61.98%)  of the respondents had no knowledge of cervical cancer while 119 (38.02%)  had knowledge of cervical cancer, however, an average  weighted mean score of  x 2.63 and ± 0.95  had a positive response that using pap smear as a procedure to test for cervical cancer is the best screening method while most of the respondents revealed that it is advisable  to go for treatment once there is a sign of STDs. Chi-Square value of difference in mean knowledge of cervical cancer among female civil servants in Awka South Local Government Area revealed that the calculated X2-value yielded 257, with significant value of 0.000 is less than P-value (P<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that when knowledge about cervical cancer and its prevention is consistently communicated through difference media, relatively high number of females may be aware. Based on the conclusion, it was recommended, among others, the need for more sensitization campaigns to bridge the identified knowledge gaps and scale up cervical cancer screening services to all women to increase service uptake.