Assessment of The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women Accessing Antenatal Care in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi Southeast, Nigeria

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. In Nigeria, it is second most common cancer. Cervical cancer, however, remains preventable. One of the methods for the prevention is cervical screening; thus, the assessment of the knowledge, attitude and practice of cervical screening among women becomes crucial.

This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of cervical cancer screening among women accessing antenatal care in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.

Data were collected from 150 respondents using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The study revealed poor knowledge of cervical cancer screening, though a significant number have positive attitude toward the screening as they indicated interest in doing the screening if provided with the opportunity. Despite this apparent positive attitude, the practice of cervical screening remained abysmally poor. This has been attributed to many factors: lack of awareness of the service, inadequate prodding to do the screening by the physicians, etc.

This study is of benefit to gynecologists. However, as the study is based on only 150 willing respondents compared to the huge number of women who attend antenatal at NAUTH and elsewhere, the findings may not be widely generalized.