Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices on Cervical Cancer Screening Among Healthcare Workers in Oshikoto Region, Namibia

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices on cervical cancer screening among healthcare workers in Oshikoto Region, Namibia. A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted, using a self-administered questionnaire and interviews completed between July and August in 2017.The study participants were doctors and nurses who provide health services at general OPD (Out Patient Department), ANC(Antenatal Care Clinic) and ART(Ant Retroviral treatment) clinics at Onandjokwe, Omuthiya and Tsumeb district hospitals in Oshikoto Region, Namibia. A total of 151 health professionals were interviewed, of which 82% were females, 19% were males comprised registered nurses 48%, enrolled nurses 44% and doctors 18%. Among the participants 56% had adequate knowledge regarding cervical cancer causes, 91% risk factors, 91% symptoms, and 95% prevention. However, the study found nurses have poor knowledge on the causes of cervical cancer compared to doctors with significant statistically differences (P value 0.01).With regards attitudes of cervical cancer screening practices, majority of participants 93% scored favorable attitudes. The study showed among participants 91% have ever screened patient for cervical cancer and 74% performed pap smear test to the patient .There were significant test results related to the knowledge of prevention of cervical cancer disease and performed pap smear test (P value 0.01).The study results also showed that the most common reasons of low usage of cervical cancer are lack of awareness (48%) and no symptoms of cervical cancer (37%). The major key recommendation based on the findings of this study were to provide inservice training at each district hospital, raise awareness of cervical cancer disease, review the nursing curriculum by scrutinizing the content in order to update knowledge, provide support and empowered the health centers, clinics and outreach points by providing education and necessary equipment for cervical cancer screening procedure.