Utilization of screening services for cancer of the cervix in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cancer of the cervix is a leading cause of death due to female genital malignancies in developing countries. Early detection through cervical screening is crucial for prevention and treatment. Objective: To determine the awareness and utilization of screening services for cancer of the cervix amongst women in Makurdi. Methods: A cross-sectional study using interviewer administered questionnaires to women attending the outpatient gynecological clinic at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, North-Central, Nigeria between March and August 2012. Results: The average age and parity of respondents was 35±11.2 years and 2.4±2.3 respectively. Most 48.3% were civil servants, Married 89.0% and had post-secondary education (64.5%). About 65% were aware of cancer of the cervix. Fifty one percent were aware of cervical cancer screening. Main source of information was through the mass media (35.5%). Among the ‘aware’ group for screening services, only 13.6% had utilized the services (X2=12.2, p=0.0004, OR=3.7). Overall, only 7% of the study population have ever screened for the disease. Education significantly affected awareness for both cancer of the cervix (p=0.0001) and screening services (P=0.0002). Reasons for non utilization of services were; Ignorance, absence of screening centres, perceived non necessity, faith in God, prohibitive cost, physician’s non recommendation among others.