ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a major public health issue in Nigeria, ranking as one of the leading cancers among women of reproductive age, second only to breast cancer. It is caused primarily by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is compounded by factors such as limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural beliefs. Early detection through screening methods like Pap smears and HPV testing is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality; however, challenges persist, including high costs, insufficient trained personnel, and low public awareness. Tackling barriers to screening uptake is essential for effective cervical cancer prevention in Nigeria. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we sought to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and factors affecting cervical cancer screening among female medical students in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The study was carried among female medical students in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State from July 2023 to August 2024. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula for descriptive studies and a stratified sampling technique was utilized for the study. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire with close ended and open-ended questions that sought to answer the study objectives. Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25.0 and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Data was presented using prose, frequency tables, and graphs. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. RESULT: A total of 300 respondents was used for this study with mean age ± SD (22.0 14 14 ± 2.9). The majority of respondents knew the meaning of cervical cancer screening, as 15 15 a procedure for detecting precancerous changes in the cervix 284 (94.6%). Majority of the respondents, 260 (86.7%) had good knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening while almost all the respondents, 295 (98.7%) had positive attitude regarding cervical cancer screening. Despite high knowledge and attitude levels, majority of respondents, 285 (95.0%) had poor practice regarding cervical cancer screening. Significant associations were seen between accommodation (p =0.001), level (p = <0.001), monthly allowance (p = <0.001), and knowledge. Cost was among the main barriers affecting cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION: Most female medical students possessed good knowledge of cervical cancer screening, particularly regarding Pap smears. They also showed a positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening reflecting a favorable view on preventive healthcare practices. However, despite their knowledge and positive attitudes, there is a concerning gap in actual screening behaviors with factors such as high costs, lack of health insurance, and low perceived risk, being barriers to screening practices, while encouraging factors were the availability of health insurance, proximity to screening centers, and subsidized testing. Keywords: cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening, pap smear, human papilloma virus.
