The Influence of Health Literacy on Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening Practices among Female Undergraduates at a University in Southwest Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunday Joseph Ayamolowo ◽  
Lydia Feyisayo Akinrinde ◽  
Monisola Omoyeni Oginni ◽  
Love Bukola Ayamolowo
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Screening Practices ◽  
Cancer Prevention And Screening ◽  
Southwest Nigeria

The global incidence of cancer is rising, and low-income and lower-middle-income countries have the worst figures. However, knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and cervical cancer screening practices remains poor in these regions. This study assessed the concept of health literacy as a potential determinant of knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening practices among female undergraduates. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 female undergraduates at a university in southwest Nigeria. A validated questionnaire composed of subscales on nine components of health literacy, knowledge of cervical cancer prevention, and cervical cancer screening practices was used for data collection. The majority of the respondents obtained a high score on most of the components of health literacy and 66% had good knowledge of cervical cancer prevention. Only 11% demonstrated good practices of Pap smear testing. Of all the components of health literacy, “feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers” (OR = 0.075; 95% CI [0.036–0.115]; p = 0.015) and “understanding health information well enough to know what to do” (OR = 0.055; 95% CI [0.006–0.104]; p = 0.029) were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer prevention. Out of the major challenges related to cervical cancer screening among undergraduates, the feeling of being at risk (OR = 4.71; p < 0.05) and uncomfortable experiences from past screening (OR = 0.12; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with going for cervical cancer screening. The study concluded that levels of health literacy influenced knowledge of cervical cancer prevention among female undergraduates, but it did not affect their engagement in cervical cancer screening practices.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and practices of cervical cancer prevention

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Obročníková ◽  
Ľudmila Majerníková
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Premalignant Lesions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Attitudes And Practices

AbstractAim. Cervical cancer is the most common genital malignancy and one of the leading causes of death among female population in Slovakia. At present, this location of cancer is preventable disease visible in screening for premalignant lesions if the women use and participate in such screening regularly. We assessed the knowledge on the cervical cancer screening, the attitude towards it and its utilization among women in Slovakia.Material and methods. A cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice of cervical cancer prevention and screening among women. The sample was composed of 239 women aged 18-64 years. Data collection was conducted by selfadministered questionnaire in a period from January to April 2015.Results. Respondents exhibited an average knowledge of cervical cancer, about risk factors and early signs, but awareness of cervical cancer screening was satisfactory. Despite the fact that respondents expressed good attitude to cervical cancer screening, their level of practice was low (64% participation in preventative gynaecology check-ups and 43% in Pap smear tests within one year and 44% within three years). In the study we could observe better results in women with higher education when it comes to an illness (p < .001), its prevention (p < .001) and risk behaviour (p < .001).Conclusions. The awareness of cervical cancer among women in Slovakia is limited. In the future there is a need to educate and promote awareness of cervical cancer among women to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality.

scholarly journals Uptake and determinants of cervical cancer prevention services among female college students in Kenya: A cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisha Ngetich ◽  
Irene Nzisa ◽  
Alfred Osoti
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Female College Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Parametric Data ◽  
Screening Services

AbstractIntroductionCervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in low- and middle-income countries. In Kenya, cervical cancer incidence and prevalence have been increasing and in 2018 alone, there were 3286 deaths from cervical cancer. Previously, studies on cervical cancer prevention strategies have focused on women above 30 years old. However, as the risk factors for cervical cancer are acquired as early as in the teen years, an understanding of the awareness, uptake and determinants of screening services among college female students will help inform prevention strategies. This study sought to determine the awareness, uptake, determinants and barriers to cervical cancer screening services among colleges students in Kenya.MethodsThis was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in eight universities spread all over Kenya. Participants were interviewed using a self-administered structured questionnaire on sociodemographics, reproductive history, awareness on cervical cancer including screening practices, and attitude towards cervical cancer prevention services. Descriptive statistics were summarized using means and standard deviation (SD) for parametric data and median and interquartile range (IQR) for non-parametric data. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to determine odds ratios of factors associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening services. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsBetween January 2017 and Sept 2017, we screened 800 and enrolled 600 female colleges students from eight universities in Kenya. In total, 549 of the 600 (92%) participants completed the questionnaire. The median age (IQR) was 21(20,22) years. Nearly two-thirds 338(62.7%) were sexually active, while 54(16%) had concurrent sexual partners. The main form of contraception was oral postcoital emergency pills 123(64.7%). Only 76(14.4%) had screened for cervical cancer, and the commonest approach was a Pap smear 47(61.8%). About one half 40(54.1%) did not like their experience due to pain, discomfort and bleeding. Four out of five participants (439, 80.7%) had poor knowledge on cervical cancer screening. On bivariate analysis, increased level of awareness (odds ratio [OR] 1.08 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.03,1.18, p = 0.004), knowledge of someone with cervical cancer(OR 0.43 CI 0.23,0.78 p=0.006) and a perception of self-risk (OR2.6 CI 1.38,4.98 p=0.003) were associated with increased odds of uptake of cervical cancer screening. In the multivariate analysis, high awareness was significantly associated with increased odds of cervical cancer screening (OR 1.12 CI 1.04, 1.20 p=0.002).ConclusionsFemale college students in Kenya had low levels of awareness on cervical cancer and had very low uptake of cervical cancer screening. However, high perception of self-risk and perceived benefit was associated with increased odds of cervical cancer screening.RecommendationsSince female colleges students are generally thought to be more knowledgeable and have better access to information compared to the general population, the low levels of knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer screening, calls for a rethink of strategies that focus on the younger population including those in primary, high school and universities. Such strategies include HPV vaccination and incorporation of cancer prevention in school curriculum.

scholarly journals Primary health care workers’ understanding and skills related to cervical cancer prevention in Sango PHC centre in south-western Nigeria: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthonia O. C. Onyenwenyi ◽  
Gugu Gladness Mchunu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Aim: The study explored the knowledge and service delivery skills of primary health care (PHC) workers to conduct cervical cancer screening programmes in Sango primary health centre in Sango town, Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State in Nigeria. Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women. The prevention and control services in Nigeria are provided mainly at post-primary health facilities. Authorities have advocated the integration of cervical cancer prevention into reproductive health services provided at PHC centres. The service delivery capabilities of PHC workers are critical for successful implementation of screening programmes. Method: Exploratory qualitative research design was used. Data were collected among 10 PHC workers who were purposively sampled at Sango PHC. Semi-structured interview guide with broad items and a checklist were used to assess participants’ cervical cancer screening knowledge and service delivery skills using visual inspection screening methods. Data were analysed thematically and triangulated. Findings: A range of roles were represented in the interviews of the health care workers at the PHC studied. They had poor knowledge and skills about cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid and visual inspection with Lugol’s iodine. Study participants perceived nurses as most equipped PHC workers to conduct screening at PHC level, followed by the community health officers. Participants reported no cervical cancer services at the centre and community. The findings provided useful insight that guided the training of primary health workers and the development of a community-based cervical cancer screening model for women in rural communities. Conclusion: Nurses and other PHC workers should be trained on visual inspection screening method. This low-cost but effective methodology could be incorporated into their training curricula as a strategy for scaling up cervical cancer prevention programmes across Nigeria.

scholarly journals How the Coronavirus Disease-2019 May Improve Care: Rethinking Cervical Cancer Prevention

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Feldman ◽  
Jennifer S Haas
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Cancer Screening And Prevention ◽  
Screening And Prevention

Abstract These past months of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic have given us ample opportunity to reflect on the US health-care system. Despite overwhelming tragedy, it is an opportunity for us to learn and to change. As we postpone routine visits because of the pandemic, we worry about risks for patients who delay cancer screening. We use cervical cancer screening and prevention as an example of how we can use some “lessons learned” from the pandemic to prevent “collateral losses,” such as an increase in cancers. COVID-2019–related health-system changes, like the more rapid evaluation of diagnostic tests and vaccines, the transition to compensated virtual care for most counseling and education visits, and broadened access to home services, offer potential benefits to the delivery of cervical cancer screening and prevention. While we detail the case for cervical cancer prevention, many of the issues discussed are generalizable to other preventative measures. It would be a tragedy if the morbidity and mortality of COVID-2019 are multiplied because of additional suffering caused by delayed or deferred cancer screening and diagnostic evaluation—but maybe with creativity and reflection, we can use this pandemic to improve care.

scholarly journals Religious Gathering as a Tool for Collaborative Cervical Cancer Prevention: Report From Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 137s-137s
Author(s):  
C. Onwuka ◽  
C. Umezurike ◽  
C.-E. Hendricks ◽  
K. Eguzo
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Survivor ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Papanicolaou Test ◽  
Cancer Awareness

Background and context: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and a leading cause of mortality affecting Nigerian women. There is prevalent ignorance about the disease and reduced access to screening services in Nigeria due to a variety of reasons. Many religious leaders often view cancer as evil, thus perpetuating a culture of fear and denial. Religious events have been used to promote health awareness and access to preventive services in Nigeria, but not usually for cancer screening. A cancer survivor might use a religious event to provide a strong avenue for improving cancer awareness and access to screening. Aim: Report describes a successful collaborative integration of cervical cancer screening into a religious event led by a breast cancer survivor. Strategy/Tactics: The 2018 Annual Women's Gospel Forum at Susanna Homes was used by a cancer survivor to teach women about cervical cancer and early diagnosis. Information was circulated among the Church of Christ fellowship in southern Nigeria. Program/Policy process: A medical team (gynecologist and pathologist) provided free cancer screening to consenting women using Papanicolaou test VIA simultaneously, with Pap preceding VIA. All smears were handled according to standard protocol and the findings were classified using the Bethesda system for reporting Papanicolaou test. Participants were taught about cervical cancer, counseled on screening and follow-up care prior to consent. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Outcomes: Seventy-nine women at the event consented to the screening. The average participant was aged 51 years, but 90.6% (58/64) were above 30 years. Most (92.4%; 73/79) women were negative for squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs), and six women had a low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). The prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology in this outreach was 7.6% (6/79), and mostly affected women aged 61-60 years. Table 1 describes the Papanicolaou test results. The result of VIA was recorded as positive or negative. What was learned: Participants provided positive feedback regarding integrating cervical cancer screening into a religious event, as it improved access and addressed ignorance. Leadership by a cancer survivor helped demystify the disease and encouraged women to be screened. Having a pathologist on site improved slides quality and reporting turn-around time. Project shows that collaboration between clinicians and religious leaders can improve cancer prevention. More physicians should be trained to provide these services and collaborate with community/religious organizations to provide screening outside of the clinical setting.[Table: see text]

scholarly journals Precision Prevention: The 2019 ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines for Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Tests and Cancer Precursors

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-280
Author(s):  
Ritu Nayar
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Consensus Guidelines

The approach to cervical cancer prevention has evolved significantly over the past two decades. HPV immunization has decreased the specificity of screening modalities and HPV-based testing has been replacing our previously successful morphology-only approach. Additionally, there is much more emphasis on providing precision prevention, rather than the previously used “one-fits-all” management strategies. A number of new biomarkers are entering clinical practice and being integrated into cervical cancer screening and management in order to enable a more personalized assessment of the risk for precancer/cancer for an individual patient. The 2019 ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines expand on the concept of “equal management for equal risk”. They consider a patient’s history in addition to current test results to provide recommendations for increased surveillance/treatment in patients at higher risk for CIN3+ while minimizing interventions for lower-risk patients who have new versus persistent HPV infection. Clinical management decisions are based on immediate risk and 5-year risk estimates for CIN3+, which are determined by referencing an extensive risk table compiled by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The course of action for a given patient is recommended by comparison of the risk in the risk database, to the predetermined clinical action thresholds. These guidelines address the need for simplification and offer some stability for the provider while being conducive to the incorporation of anticipated continued technologic advances in methods for cervical cancer prevention. Their enduring nature will allow for changes needed based on risk reduction as HPV vaccination uptake increases and vaccinated women reach screening age. Similarly, the design allows for the addition of new tests into the risk assessment calculations after their approval by applicable regulatory agencies and review/consensus approval by the ASCCP new technology and enduring guidelines workgroups. As cytopathologists, we must be familiar with the scientific advancements in primary and secondary prevention, evolving screening and management guidelines, and participate actively in the multidisciplinary approach for the prevention of cervical cancer.

scholarly journals Role of a midwife in cervical cancer prevention based on a study of the population of women residing in the Bialski poviat

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Iwona Gładysz
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Cancer Screening And Prevention ◽  
Screening And Prevention

Background: Cancer, next to cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, accidents, and mental illness, is one of the most common diseases of the 21st century. In the female population, cervical cancer is most often diagnosed at late stages. Aim of the study: The goal of the study is to determine the opinions of women who reside in Bialski poviat about midwife participation in cervical cancer screening and prevention. Material and methods: The study group was recruited from randomly selected patients from two physiotherapy offices in the Bialski poviat, as well as students and employees of the State University Pope John Paul II in Biala Podlaska. The research tool consisted of the author’s questionnaire concerning the role of midwives in cervical cancer prevention and consisted of 25 questions. Results: Almost half of the respondents or 44.2% (76) believe that the role of a midwife in cervical cancer prevention is based on health education given to women about cervical cancer screening and prevention. 27.3% (47) believe that the role of a midwife in prevention is based on the availability of cytological pap smears. Most or 56% (14) respondents from the age group over 55 and 29.2% (7) surveyed in the 18-25 age group knew about the important role of midwives performing cytological pap smear as part of a prevention strategy against cervical cancer. Conclusions: 1. The knowledge base of the women examined, regarding the role of a midwife in the prevention of cervical cancer, is lacking or insufficient. 2. The role of the midwife in the prevention of cervical cancer is unknown to young women in the 18-25 age group.

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