Utilization of screening services for cancer of the cervix in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cancer of the cervix is a leading cause of death due to female genital malignancies in developing countries. Early detection through cervical screening is crucial for prevention and treatment. Objective: To determine the awareness and utilization of screening services for cancer of the cervix amongst women in Makurdi. Methods: A cross-sectional study using interviewer administered questionnaires to women attending the outpatient gynecological clinic at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, North-Central, Nigeria between March and August 2012. Results:The average age and parity of respondents was 35±11.2 years and 2.4±2.3 respectively. Most 48.3% were civil servants, Married 89.0% and had post-secondary education (64.5%). About 65% were aware of cancer of the cervix. Fifty one percent were aware of cervical cancer screening. Main source of information was through the mass media (35.5%). Among the 'aware' group for screening services, only 13.6% had utilized the services (X

Integrated Review of Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening in Sub‐Saharan Africa

“…Lack of knowledge and awareness of cervical screening was cited as the most common barrier (Abotchie & Shokar, ; De Abreu, Horsfall, & Learmonth, ; Ebu, Mupepi, Siakwa, & Sampselle, ; Eze, Umeora, Obuna, Egwuatu, & Ejikeme, ; Lyimo & Beran, ; McFarland, ; Mosavel, Simon, Oakar, & Meyer, 2009; Mupepi, Sampselle, & Johnson, ; Terefe & Gaym, ; Utoo, Ngwan, & Anzaku, ; Were, Nyaberi, & Buziba, . Some women also reported lack of knowledge about cervical cancer as barriers to cervical cancer screening (Eze et al., ; Lyimo & Beran, ; Mupepi et al., ; Utoo et al., ). Other studies reported not knowing where to go for the Pap smear (Abotchie & Shokar, ; Ebu et al., ; Terefe & Gaym, ).…”

“…Other beliefs included not perceiving Pap smear as beneficial, because cervical cancer cannot be prevented (Mosavel, 2009). The following attitudes were also reported: cervical screening not viewed as important or necessary (Adetola, ; Eze et al., ; Fort et al., ; McFarland, ; Terefe & Gaym, ; Utoo et al., ) and the embarrassment of the test (Ebu et al., ; Lyimo & Beran, ; Mosavel, 2009).…”

“…Provider barriers included providers not providing health education (Abotchie & Shokar, ; De Abreu et al., ), providers not advising or encouraging women to screen for cervical cancer (Kahesa et al., ; Mupepi et al., ), physicians not recommending Pap smears (Utoo et al., ), and negative attitudes of providers toward patients (McFarland, ; Hoque & Hoque, ).…”

“…Inaccessibility: the most common access barrier cited was cost of the Pap smear test. The majority of the women reported that the Pap smear test was too expensive (Ebu et al., ; Eze et al., ; McFarland, ; Mupepi et al., ; Ndikom & Ofi, ; Utoo et al., ; Were et al., ). Other access barriers included (a) having no access or having difficult access to facilities where test is done (Kahesa et al., ) and (b) lengthy waiting times to get an appointment for a Pap smear (Ebu et al., ; Mosavel, 2009).…”

“…Other access barriers included (a) having no access or having difficult access to facilities where test is done (Kahesa et al., ) and (b) lengthy waiting times to get an appointment for a Pap smear (Ebu et al., ; Mosavel, 2009). Unavailability: Pap smear services were reported to be unavailable in some localities (Ebu et al., ; Eze et al., ; Mupepi et al., ; Utoo et al., ). Screening policies: In some societies, women had to be a certain age (over 30 years) to qualify for free screening (De Abreu et al, ).…”