Modeling for Predictors of Knowledge Score on Etiology and Prevention Strategies for Cervical Cancer Among Women of Reproductive Age in Ibadan

Abstract

PURPOSE Poor knowledge regarding cervical cancer in at-risk populations directly affects health-seeking behavior and is associated with high mortality among women with cervical cancer. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of women regarding the causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies of cervical cancer. METHODS A multistage cross-sectional study of 1,002 women of reproductive age (18-49 years) in Ibadan was conducted. Knowledge of cervical cancer risk causes and prevention strategies was assessed using 13 and 9 question items, respectively. The knowledge score was graded as 0 (no knowledge), 1-4 (poor knowledge), or ≥ 5 (good knowledge). The proportional or partial proportional odds model was used to fit 3 models using the forward stepwise selection. All analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX). RESULTS The median age of participants was 29 years (interquartile range [IQR], 23-35 years). The median knowledge scores of participants on causes and prevention strategies of cervical cancer were 3 (IQR, 0-4) and 3 (IQR, 0-5), respectively. The assessment of knowledge on causes and prevention strategies for cervical cancer revealed that having multiple sexual partners and no previous opportunity for counseling on cervical cancer screening were factors associated with lower odds of knowledge. CONCLUSION The knowledge of women about the risk factors, causes, and prevention strategies of cervical cancer was poor. It is worrisome that poor knowledge was common among women with potential demographic risk factors for cervical cancer. We recommend innovative community mobilization to improve women’s knowledge of the risk factors associated with cervical cancer and prevention strategies.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Cervical Cancer Among Women of Childbearing Age in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria

“…Only 0.3% of female professional health workers surveyed in a similar study conducted in Ilorin had ever had a screening test [28]. Other studies also showed low screening practices among female health professionals [13,34].…”

“…The differences can be attributed to the differences in the sociodemographic characteristics of the populations studied. Various studies have shown that the awareness of cervical cancer is variable with women living in cities and female health and non-health professionals who work in health institutions showing higher levels of awareness than those living in rural areas [13,[32][33][34][35].…”

Prevalence of Cervical Cancer in Enugu State: A Critical Review of 5-year Hospital Data in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria

“…A study by Morhason-Bello et. Al on the modeling for predictors of knowledge score and prevention of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Ibadan, Nigeria shows that with the high prevalence of cervical cancer in their findings, Nigerian women were underinformed on cervical cancer risk factors and prevention strategies [52]. Women from higher socioeconomic classes had a greater understanding of cervical cancer than those from lower socioeconomic classes.…”

Patient delay and related influencing factors in Chinese women under 35 years diagnosed with cervical cancer: A cross-sectional study

“…This finding was unexpected, given that marital and educational status is often shown to be an influential predictor of health-seeking behavior among women. 42 , 43 Considering the small sample size of this study, future studies should focus on young women with cervical cancer as a unique group for the investigation of patient delay and influencing factors.…”