Knowledge, Attitude and Uptake of Pap Smear among Female Healthcare Professionals in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Despite the high prevalence of cervical cancer (CC) in Nigeria, the uptake of screening services, including Pap smear, remains poor, even amongst healthcare providers.
 Objective: To assess Pap smear knowledge, attitude, and uptake among female healthcare professionals (FHPs).
 Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Kwara State, Nigeria, using a self-administered questionnaire.
 Results: A majority (343, 98.6%) of the FHPs knew Pap smear. Five (26.3%) medical laboratory scientists did not know what a Pap smear was. All the nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists and medical social workers knew Pap smear. Only a fifth (71; 20.4%) of the FHPs had ever done a Pap smear. The most common reason cited for not having done a Pap smear was lack of time (109; 31.3%). There was a relationship between age and uptake of Pap smear (p = 0.024). Only 188 (54%) of the FHPs had ever recommended Pap smear to other women.
 Conclusion: Despite the high level of knowledge of Pap smear amongst FHPs in Nigeria, attitude and uptake remain poor. There is a need for further training and education of FHPs on the benefits of CC screening to increase their uptake and improve their effectiveness in promoting positive attitudes towards CC screening and prevention in the general population.

Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: Any Alternative to Pap Smear?

“…These women view the procedure as embarrassing and a violation of their privacy, while others avoid the test for fear of pain. [6] Uptake of Pap smear therefore remains low in many LMICs, with coverage rates of between <10% -50%. [7] Screening during pregnancy has been advocated as a strategy for scaling up Pap smear uptake in LMICs.…”