Awareness and Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Female Students in School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Nigeria

Abstract

Cervical cancer screening is an important screening test commonly used to detect abnormal cervical cells, including precancerous cervical lesions, as well as early cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a deadly disease which can be prevented through screening. Not much has been documented on awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening among female undergraduate students in the University of Benin. This study investigated the awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening among female students in School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among two hundred (200) female undergraduates selected using simple random sampling technique. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on respondent knowledge awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening and was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Results showed that 86.7% of the respondents had knowledge of cervical cancer. Eighteen percent have had a screening for cervical cancer. Findings also revealed that the level of uptake of cervical cancer screening is low compared to the level of knowledge about cervical screening. Intensifying the need for nurses to engage in health education and awareness programs that will increase general awareness of the people on the advantages of uptake of cervical cancer screening is essential.