Cervical Cancer Knowledge And Screening Among Women In Ashiedu Keteke Sub Metro In Accra

ABSTRACT

Introduction In Ghana, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and the mortality and incidence rate is among the highest in the world. Currently, little is known about the Ghanaian woman’s knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, yet this information is essential to the success of cervical cancer prevention. The study sought to examine the variables that influence the decision of women to undertake cervical cancer screening. Methods A cross sectional study using quantitative methods was used to elicit information among sexually active women aged 18 years and above from May to June 2015. The study used random sampling to recruit 417 women and interviewed them using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize continuous variables such as age and presented as means, standard deviations while categorical variables were summarized into frequencies and proportions. To assess the knowledge on cervical cancer, 26 responses were analyzed and a correct score was given one score and a wrong answer score 0. A five point likert scale was used to classify the knowledge. Data were analyzed using STATA version 13. Results A total of 417 women aged 18 years and above were studied. The mean age was 30 years (± 10.8). The prevalence of cervical cancer screening was 4.8% (20 out of 417). Misconceptions that cervical cancer could only affect older women and women with children was a determinant of whether a woman will screen for cervical cancer or not.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer screening is low among reproductive aged women in the Ashiedu-Keteke sub Metropolis. A concerted effort from all stakeholders including religious, opinion leaders, health authorities the government as well as community members is necessary to scaling up cervical cancer screening.