Abstract
Background
In Lesotho, cervical cancer is the most common female cancer and leading cause of death amongst women. In 2019, the annual number of new cancer cases was 477 and 346 women died from cancer related complications in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of young women towards cervical cancer screening at a selected higher education institution in Lesotho.
Methods
A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire from 80 young women. Random sampling using a fishbowl technique was used to select study respondents. Permission to conduct the study was sought and granted from relevant authorities. Informed consent was sought from the respondents who were identified using codes and participated voluntarily. Data were analysed using Microsoft excel and presented using proportions and diagrams.
Results
Fifty percent (n=40) of the women did not know cervical cancer screening tests, 70% (n=56) did not know about the frequency of screening, whilst 75% (n=60) knew that human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is used to prevent cervical cancer. Additionally, 95% (n=76) had not screened for cervical cancer, 65% (n=52) perceived cervical cancer screening as painful, 35% (n=28) said it caused discomfort, and 95% (n=76) needed more information on cervical cancer screening.
Conclusions
Even though some respondents had knowledge on cervical cancer and its prevention, the uptake of the screening procedure was low. Negative experiences of pain and discomfort were reported amongst those who had the procedure done. This heightens the need for health education and incorporating regular cervical cancer screening in health care services to increase reassurance, counselling, and the uptake of the procedure amongst young women.
The Potential Benefits of HPV E6/E7 mRNA Test in Cervical Cancer Screening in China
