TITLE:
Knowledge and Attitude towards Cervical Cancer: A Case Study of Undergraduate Students in Imo State, Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Ugonma Winnie Dozie, Chiamaka Lilian Nwadi, Chika Polycarp Umunakwe, Nneka Eleano Asuzu, Iheoma Rosemary Obikonu, Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie
KEYWORDS:
Cervical Cancer, Knowledge Level, Attitude, Young Women, Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.7 No.6,
June
23,
2020
ABSTRACT:
The study investigated the knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer in Imo State, Nigeria. A sample of 230 female undergraduate students selected from Imo State University participated in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analyzed using percentage, mean and Chi-Square. The result showed that the majority (81.7%) of the respondents were in their sexually active ages, the majority (70.0%) of the respondents had a low knowledge of cervical cancer and about 53% did not know about its causes. On the attitude towards screening, 82.6% of the respondents had never done pap smear test and 80% were afraid of going for it. The result further showed a generally negative belief about cervical cancer infection. The hypothesis tested showed a significant relationship between level of knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer screening at p = 0.000. Therefore, increased sensitization targeting women in sexually active ages as a way of improving their knowledge on cervical cancer was recommended.