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

Author(s):  
Georgy O. Obiechina ◽  
Muo Chiamaka Euphemia

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.

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-157
Author(s):  
A.E. Olowokere ◽  
MI.I. Ojo

Cervical cancer is a deadly disease claiming the lives of many women in developing countries due to late presentation which might be influenced by a lack of knowledge of the disease and its prevention. This descriptive study examined the knowledge of rural women about cervical cancer and its prevention, and their utilisation of Pap smear screening, using a convenience sample of 426 women in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Women voluntarily completed an unstructured questionnaire through trained research assistants. Results showed that women who participated in the study were aware of cervical cancer (77%; n=328) but many (62.9%; n= 268) were unaware of Pap smears as the screening tests for cervical cancer. Although 41.3% (n=176) were knowledgeable about cervical cancer, risk factors and prevention, only 9.4% (n=40) had Pap smear tests done. Health care professionals, especially community health nurses, need to intensify efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening, and encourage women through the different clinics to use these services. The benefits of screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer should be emphasized to enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening services.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-65
Author(s):  
Jude Egwurugwu ◽  
S.D. Ejikunle ◽  
E.I. Dike ◽  
M.C. Ohamaeme ◽  
Jude Egwurugwu ◽  
...  

Background: Cervical cancer is the 2nd commonest cancer among women worldwide and the most common cancer among women in developing countries like Nigeria. Though preventable by screening for premalignant and early cervical lesions, this is predicated on the knowledge and practice of a cervical screening. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of cervical cancer screening among women in Orlu, Local Government Area(LGA) Imo State, Nigeria. Materials & Methods: A community based cross-sectional study with the use of 502 interviewer – administered questionnaires was conducted among women in Orlu LGA of Imo State. All the women in the communities attending the annual August Meeting who consented were recruited for this study. Results: The study showed that the mean age of the respondents was 42±2.8years. Furthermore, 82.3% of respondents attained postsecondary school educational level, 61.8% & 21.1% were multiparous and grand multiparous respectively. Also, 80.5% of respondents have heard about cervical cancer screening. Majority (67.5%) of these respondents heard it from health care providers. There was a positive statistically significant relationship between educational status and the likelihood of having knowledge of cervical cancer screening, (p< 0.01). The level of practice of cervical cancer screening was very low among the respondents(13.5%).Though majority of the respondents have high level of educational attainment this did not reflect their practice of cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: There was high knowledge of cervical cancer and cervical screening modalities among women in Orlu but their practice of cervical cancer screening was very low. There is an urgent need to educate and encourage women on the benefits of cervical cancer screening. Key words: cervical cancer, knowledge, Practice, Orlu women, Screening.


Author(s):  
John Gambo LAAH

Analysis of marriage intentions and sexual experiences of young women are necessary in drawing up state-level and countrywide policies that address young women’s sexual health needs. This paper draws on results of a study utilizing structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to examine marriage and sexual debut among young girls in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A total of 862 questionnaires were administered among young women within the age of 11 and 25 years. The information from the questionnaire was analysed using the Chi-square (X2) test to assess bivariate association between ever had sex and age at first sex and some socio-demographic characteristics of young girls. The study hypothesised that ever had sex, age at first sexual encounter and age at marriage do not differ by some sociodemographic characteristics of women. The results of the analysis revealed that the majority (70%) of the respondents have ever had sex and that 9.6% have ever married. The X2 test revealed that there are significant relationships between ever had sex and age of respondents (X2, df=4, p=0.001)), marital status (X2, df=4, p=0.001) and level of education (X2, df=6, p=0.001). There was, however, no statistical differences between ever had sex and religion and residence. The paper recommended a multifaceted programme to address the needs of young girls in Kachia LGA.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astha Srivastava ◽  
Bindiya Gupta ◽  
Vikas Lakha ◽  
Shilpa Singh

Objective: To study the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses at tertiary centre regarding cervical cancer screening. Material and Methods: Validated questionnaire was circulated amongst staff nurses at tertiary care centre after taking informed consent. Results and Discussion: Cancer of cervix is the most common genital tract malignancy in female and it is ranked second to breast cancer. It has a positive association with HPV infection. Cervical cancer incidence and mortality have declined substantially following introduction of screening programmes. This present study investigated the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses at GTB Hospital towards cervical cancer risk factors, sign & symptoms and screening as they are important health professionals. In our study, the results showed that 99% of respondents were aware of Pap smear as screening programme and about 60-70% were aware of HPV as positive organism, but most of them never had a Pap smear done before. Majority of them did not know VIA, VILI and colposcopy as screening techniques. Conclusion: It may thus be recommended that institutions should periodically organize seminars and training for health personnel especially the nurses which form a group of professionals that should give health education to women about cervical cancer.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 151-158
Author(s):  
Rosemary I. Eneji ◽  
Attah Frank

The worsening state of poverty among rural farmers in Nigeria’s Cross River State has attracted great concern from government and its agencies but farmers’ perception of poverty and welfare is little understood. In this study, it was determined whether and how the social variables of income, healthcare and education affect farmers’ perception of poverty and welfare in Boki Local government area. Primary data were derived from one hundred (100) respondents, randomly drawn from the study area using standard questionnaires and analysed using the chi-square technique. There was a significant direct relationship between income level, health care, education and nutrition on one hand and welfare of farmers on the other. Evidence from this field study strongly suggests that poverty alleviation programmes and infrastructural projects should be extended to rural areas for improved welfare and livelihood. However, farmers do not necessarily perceive poverty based only on the variables studied.


1970 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-150
Author(s):  
Otobong Micheal Udo ◽  
L.A. Akinbile ◽  
Samuel Ikechukwu Chinkata

This study investigated the management information needs of fish farmers in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from one hundred and ten fish farmers randomly selected from four urban and seven rural wards of the area. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentage,) and inferential (chi-square and PPMC) statistics. Results show that respondents had average age of 43years, majority were male (64.8%), had primary school as highest educational level (52.4%), had 2-5 ponds, use earthen ponds (55.2%) and had 5-7 years fish farming experience. Information was most needed in hormone identification (x=2.83), fish marketing (x=2.80) and water quality management (x=2.71). Respondents indicated high cost of feed and poaching as a major challenge in fish farming. Respondents’ age (r = -0.233, p = 0.017); management practices (r = 0.209, p =0.032); number of ponds (r = -0.412, p = 0.000) were correlated with management information needs. The study therefore recommends the need for extension agencies to provide robust and timely information in the areas of need highlighted by the fish farmers in order to increase production efficiency and output of the fish farmers.Keywords: Information needs, Fish farmers, Aquaculture


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 63-63
Author(s):  
Maria Elena Ruiz ◽  
Efrain Talamantes

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: We present findings of an academic-community health agency study that explored knowledge of cervical cancer and risks among Latinas. The collaboration between the UCLA School of Nursing and AltaMed, a community-based health organization provided diverse clinical training and opportunities to decrease disparities in marginalized communities. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We developed a 19-item open-ended survey guide (English/Spanish) to explore knowledge, beliefs and practices related to cervical cancer. Eight nursing students (females and males) completed a 10-week public health focused practicum at four clinical sites. Students interviewed volunteer Latinas (N = 51) and recorded their responses. Prior to surveying Latina clients, the nursing instructor developed a script and mentored the student through the recruitment process. The survey included items on the Papanicolaou exam (pap smear), the HPV, beliefs and knowledge of risks for cervical cancer and recommendations for health service delivery. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The Latina participants ranged in age from 20-50s, 70% spoke English, most were US born (52%) and 29% were from Mexico. The majority had received a Pap exam (88%), but fewer understood the purpose for the Pap (72%) or the association between HPV and cervical cancer (6%). Five major themes emerged: (1) knowledge deficits regarding women’s preventive care, and the HPV vaccine; (2) limited Spanish language educational materials; (3) importance of respectful client-provider interactions; (4) modesty; and 5) scheduling appointments and the importance of a diverse workforce that understand cultural and language nuances. Recommendations included ways to improve health literacy, cervical cancer knowledge, and delivery of culturally specific health care. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Finding highlight the importance of putting “personalismo” into practice; linking health behaviors, vaccines, and health care to addresses cervical cancer risks. The collaboration maximized student experiences with opportunities build evidence based sustainable programs for vulnerable communities.


2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 410-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonso Ngozika Bisong ◽  
Felicia Akpama ◽  
Pauline B. Edet

This study is designed to examine cheating tendency among secondary school students in Nigeria, with evidence from schools in the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. A total of 331 respondents in Senior Secondary 3 classes were randomly selected from 10 post-primary schools in the area. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit information on cheating tendency, the level of supervision, forms of cheating behaviour, and gender influence on cheating tendency. The data were analysed using percentages and chi-square statistics to highlight mean differences with respect to the identified variables. The results revealed some levels of statistically significant differences in respect of cheating tendencies on the identified variables. Based on these findings, it is recommended that an ethical reorientation programme, combined with the implementation of a stiff penalty, will reduce cheating tendency in all levels of the Nigerian educational system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 174550652110471
Author(s):  
Jennifer F Ducray ◽  
Colette M Kell ◽  
Jyotika Basdav ◽  
Firoza Haffejee

Background: Cervical cancer in South Africa accounts for 15.85% of all female cancers and 30.29% of African female cancers, resulting in over 5000 deaths annually. South Africa’s proposed move towards universal healthcare places emphasis on health promotion through education and screening, but there is little data on the baseline levels of knowledge and screening uptake regarding cervical cancer. This study explored the levels of knowledge and screening rates of cervical cancer among vulnerable women living in the inner-city of Durban, South Africa. Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted within the context of a Women’s Health outreach initiative. Data were collected from women attending the outreach ( n = 109), many of whom were from marginalized communities. A pre-intervention survey was used to collect the data. This was followed by cervical cancer education sessions and the opportunity for a free Pap smear. Results: Knowledge of cervical cancer was low (<25%) and only a third of the women had previously been screened. After the educational sessions, 64% of women ( n = 70) took advantage of the opportunity for Pap smears, with many expressing the need for wider cervical cancer education, screening centres and support groups. Only 20% of the Pap smears were normal ( n = 14). Half of the women tested positive for infections ( n = 36; 51.4%), and a small proportion ( n = 8; 11.4%) tested positive for human papilloma virus. Abnormal cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN1 and CIN 2) were also detected in this population ( n = 12; 17.1%). Conclusion: Cervical cancer knowledge and screening among vulnerable women in Durban, South Africa, is inadequate, especially considering the high levels of abnormality found in the Pap smears. Education drives, accompanied with the provision of free testing, are required. Community health outreach initiatives in collaboration with non-government organizations set in accessible locations could be a possible course of action.


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