Young women’s knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer screening at a selected higher education institution in Lesotho

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. Aim: 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 research design was used to collect data using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire from 80 young women who were randomly selected. 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. 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 be used to prevent cervical cancer. Additionally, 95% (n=76) had not screened for cervical cancer, 65% (n=52) perceived cervical cancer screening as painful, and 95% (n=76) needed more information on cervical cancer screening. Conclusions: The practice of cervical cancer screening is low and there is a high need for health education and incorporating regular cervical cancer screening in health care services to increase the uptake amongst young women. Many participants were hesitant to screen as they perceived the procedure to be painful and this suggests the need for reassurance and counselling on cervical cancer screening techniques.