Socio-economic Determinants Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening in Buea: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer remains a huge burden in scarce resource communities as Cameroon. The morbidity and mortality are huge, despite the preventable nature of this pathology.
 This study set to explore the socio-economic variables which could help influence positively presentation for screening and lessen the pressure on our fragile heath system.
 Methodology: A one-day free screening campaign was carried out at the Buea regional hospital on the 2nd of November, 2019. The study population consisted of women aged 16 to 66 years old. After thorough explanation of the exercise to the potential participants to this study, a questionnaire was distributed to them. Assurance was given about the confidentiality of this study, and they were also informed that, they could opt out at any moment, if they so wish.
 Results: Some of the socio-economic variables influencing presentation for cervical cancer screening were identified and they seem to modulate individual behaviour towards cervical cancer screening. They were namely: age, level of education, residence, marital status, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, number of pregnancies and number of deliveries.
 Conclusion: The key contributors influencing presentation at screening in this study were: age, level of education, residence, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, number of pregnancies and number of deliveries. Understanding and acting on these variables could help curb down morbidity and mortality, thus alleviating the burden on our fragile heath system.

Knowledge and Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer among Women in Towns of Fako Division- Cameroon

“…Education is pivotal in acquiring knowledge, and all researchers converge views on this [59,50,60,61]The more a woman is literate, the sharper is her sense of judgment. Her mindset is tilted towards rational thinking.…”

“…Low socioeconomic status may incapacitate women's autonomy toward improved health. Low economic and social level affect woman financially and hinder their independence in health-related decisions [50,51] Women with a low social status fight for daily survival and will accord less attention to health issues, mainly in the domain of prevention. Even if they are aware of some health problems, they will hardly go to a hospital because of a lack of money [13,50,52] At the level of the country, the situation is not better.…”

“…As a result, the skeletal health system looks overwhelmed. Efficient long-term follow-up of patients, referral and counter referral systems, traceability, cohort follow-up of patients are all wanting [50,53,54] Also, level of education reduces awareness and knowledge. Some people with little or no education are even ignorant of the existence of CC.…”

“…Some people with little or no education are even ignorant of the existence of CC. However, with a high level of education, many women are aware of symptoms of the disease and go out in search of preventive measures and rational treatment [50,55,25]…”

“…The data instrument (paper-based questionnaire) was adapted from a related study [50] The questionnaire contained sections to capture demographic characteristics, awareness, and knowledge of cervical cancer. Trained peereducators / nurses administered the questionnaires.…”