Cervical cancer has been associated with a high mortality rate among women in low-and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Adequate knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among women is essential for the control and prevention of deaths related to cervical cancer. A cross sectional study of the awareness of cervical cancer and associated risk factors was carried out in 253 students in Rivers state. The results showed that only 27 (11.5%) have good knowledge of pap smear, 3 (1.6%) indicated that they had done a pap smear and the findings were negative. Seventy-three (35.6%) respondents were sexually active, with most of the respondents (74%) that were sexually active reportedly had their first sexual experience between the 15 -20 years. The last sexual exposure was mostly within a year (64.4%) among the respondents. Many of the respondents (88.2%) reported having one sexual partner. Only 20.9% indicated that they were in a relationship and 73.5% of those in relationship admitted to using one form of contraception. The most commonly used contraceptive was a condom (7.2%), followed by pills (6.4%) among the sexually active students. Most of the respondents (40.6%) indicated using contraceptive just once. The relationship of cervical cancer awareness and the demographic profile of the respondents were not statically associated or significant by age, faculty, level of study, marital status or education. However, level of knowledge of pap smear was statistically associated with current relationship status (p=0.007), having given birth (0.036) and smoking habits (p<0.01) among the respondents.

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary haemoglobinopathy that has been related with significant mortality in Nigeria. Knowledge on cause, prevention and risk factors are important for adequate control of the occurrence of SCD. Methods: A cross sectional study on the awareness of SCD was carried out among undergraduate students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was interviewer-administered to 146 students. Results: The study showed that 97.9% claim to have heard about sickle cell, while 68.5% indicated that the source of information on sickle cell was in school. One hundred and twenty-seven (87%) indicated that SCD describes abnormal blood cells. In 68.5% the source of information on SCD was in school. Only 42% had a good awareness on SCD. Students of male gender, of less than 20 years, with less average family income were more likely to have poor awareness of SCD. Conclusion: The study shows the need for improved awareness on SCD and increased awareness campaigns on every available media platform.