KNOWLEDGE AND UTILIZATION OF CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTIVE MEASURES AMONG WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE (15-45) IN BARAU DIKKO TEACHING HOSPITAL, KADUNA

Abstract

This quantitative survey study investigated the knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer preventive measures among women of childbearing age (15-45 years) within the catchment area of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. A structured questionnaire served as the primary data collection instrument, administered to a purposive sample of 120 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, which facilitated descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests to examine hypotheses concerning the influence of education level, access to healthcare services, and socio-cultural factors on the utilization of preventive measures.

The results indicated a statistically significant relationship between education level and knowledge of cervical cancer preventive measures, with higher educational attainment associated with greater awareness and higher rates of utilization. Women who had previously sought healthcare services at the hospital showed a markedly increased tendency to adopt cervical cancer preventive measures, underscoring the value of integrated healthcare delivery and sustained patient engagement. Socio-cultural elements were also found to exert a substantial impact on the adoption of preventive practices, pointing to the necessity for interventions that are culturally appropriate and responsive.

In conclusion, the study highlights the pivotal influence of education, healthcare accessibility, and socio-cultural dynamics on women’s knowledge and use of cervical cancer preventive measures. It stresses the need for customized educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, integrated service provision, and active community involvement to enhance preventive care outcomes. Recommendations encompass strengthening educational efforts, improving healthcare infrastructure, promoting enabling policies, and supporting continuous research and evaluation to maintain advancements in cervical cancer prevention and control. These results add to the current body of knowledge and offer actionable guidance for healthcare policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders striving to lessen the impact of cervical cancer in comparable environments.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Cervical cancer represents a major public health issue globally, with especially pronounced effects in developing nations such as Nigeria. It ranks as the fourth most frequent cancer among women worldwide, accounting for approximately 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths each year (Parkin et al., 2018). Within Nigeria, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in women and is associated with elevated mortality rates, largely attributable to delayed diagnosis and inadequate access to preventive services and treatment (Balogun et al., 2022).

Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna functions as a key healthcare institution for the surrounding region. Examining the knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer preventive measures among women of childbearing age (15-45 years) in the hospital’s catchment area is essential for designing focused interventions aimed at alleviating the disease burden (Al Thani et al., 2022). The hospital delivers critical healthcare services to a large population, encompassing cervical cancer screening and treatment.

A primary obstacle to effective cervical cancer control in Nigeria is the insufficient awareness and understanding of preventive measures among women. Research has documented limited knowledge of cervical cancer and its associated risk factors among women living in urban slums in Lagos, Nigeria (Balogun et al., 2022). This deficiency in awareness often results in late-stage diagnosis and treatment, thereby increasing mortality rates.

Initiatives to boost knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer are therefore vital. Health education programs have demonstrated considerable potential to increase participation in cervical cancer screening services (Al Thani et al., 2022). Such programs should be directed toward specific groups, including women of childbearing age, to equip them with accurate information about the benefits of routine screening and early detection.

Additionally, it is important to tackle obstacles that limit access to and use of preventive measures. Elements including socio-economic conditions, cultural beliefs, and the state of healthcare infrastructure significantly affect women’s capacity to obtain screening and treatment services (Nwankwo et al., 2020). Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive strategy that incorporates government policies, community participation, and enhancements to the healthcare system.

Beyond education and access, continued research into innovative methods for cervical cancer prevention and treatment remains essential. Evidence indicates that health education interventions can improve screening uptake (Al Thani et al., 2022). Nevertheless, sustained research and the creation of new technologies and approaches are required to advance early detection and optimize treatment results.

Effective collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community representatives is fundamental to mitigating the effects of cervical cancer. Programs such as national cancer control plans and community outreach activities can substantially influence knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to cervical cancer prevention and management (Nwankwo et al., 2020). Through joint efforts, these stakeholders can establish a more robust and successful framework for diminishing the disease’s impact on women’s health.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Significant gaps persist in addressing cervical cancer in Nigeria, especially in the catchment area served by Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. First, although cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the country, issues of late presentation and restricted access to preventive measures and treatment continue to pose serious challenges, emphasizing the urgency of early detection and intervention strategies (Parkin et al., 2018).

Second, there exists a notable deficiency in awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer and its risk factors among Nigerian women, particularly those residing in urban slums. This shortfall leads to postponed healthcare-seeking behavior and reduced receipt of timely screening and treatment. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement for targeted health education and awareness initiatives for these at-risk groups (Balogun et al., 2022; Al Thani et al., 2022).

Third, the uptake of cervical cancer preventive measures—including screening and vaccination—remains inadequate across Nigeria. This situation calls for enhanced availability of screening services and the resolution of socio-economic and cultural obstacles that prevent women from utilizing these vital interventions (Nwankwo et al., 2020).

Fourth, the healthcare system’s preparedness and ability to deliver comprehensive cervical cancer prevention and treatment services are limited, particularly in resource-limited contexts such as Nigeria. There is a pressing need to bolster healthcare infrastructure to guarantee prompt and high-quality care for affected women.

Finally, there is insufficient research and empirical data on the specific determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning cervical cancer among women of childbearing age (15-45 years) in the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital catchment area. This deficiency impedes the creation of precise, context-specific interventions and policies (Nwankwo et al., 2020; Balogun et al., 2022).

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The study pursued the following objectives:

1. To evaluate the level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer preventive measures among women of childbearing age attending Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital.

2. To ascertain the rate of utilization of cervical cancer preventive measures, including HPV vaccination and Pap smears, within the study population.

3. To determine the factors that affect the knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer preventive measures among women in the hospital’s catchment area.

1.4 Research Questions

The study addressed the following research questions:

1. What is the level of knowledge about cervical cancer preventive measures among women aged 15-45 years in Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital?

2. How frequently do women in this age bracket utilize cervical cancer preventive measures such as HPV vaccination and Pap smears?

3. What are the primary factors that influence knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer preventive measures in this population?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses were tested:

1. There is no significant association between education level and knowledge of cervical cancer preventive measures among women in Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital.

2. Women who have previously accessed healthcare services at the hospital are not more likely to utilize cervical cancer preventive measures.

3. Socio-cultural factors do not significantly influence the utilization of cervical cancer preventive measures among women in the study population.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute meaningfully to the current literature on cervical cancer prevention and control, with particular relevance to women receiving services at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. By exploring knowledge deficiencies and utilization patterns of preventive measures in this defined group, the study seeks to illuminate key areas needing focused attention and action.

A central contribution of the research is its capacity to pinpoint precise knowledge gaps among women concerning cervical cancer preventive measures. Identifying these gaps is critical for designing targeted health education programs that can elevate awareness and understanding within the hospital’s catchment population (Balogun et al., 2022). Closing these gaps will enable women to make better-informed health choices, including greater involvement in screening programs and vaccination drives.

Moreover, the study’s examination of utilization patterns for cervical cancer preventive measures provides valuable information. Insights into the factors affecting participation in screening and vaccination services will allow policymakers and healthcare providers to customize interventions that overcome barriers impeding access (Nwankwo et al., 2020). Such efforts may include expanding screening clinic availability, alleviating financial constraints, and correcting cultural beliefs or misunderstandings that discourage preventive care.

The study’s relevance extends into healthcare policy and clinical practice. Policymakers can draw on the findings to formulate evidence-based approaches for lowering the regional burden of cervical cancer (Al Thani et al., 2022). Examples include policies that increase funding for screening programs or establish specific outreach efforts informed by the research.

Healthcare practitioners at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and similar institutions can also apply the study’s recommendations to adopt best practices in prevention and management, ensuring women receive timely and suitable care (Balogun et al., 2022). This might involve improving counseling, refining referral pathways, or introducing reminder systems to promote consistent screening and vaccination adherence.

Ultimately, this study aims to support wider initiatives to decrease the impact of cervical cancer in the region. Through practical insights and recommendations, it seeks to enable healthcare providers and women to engage proactively in preventive actions, resulting in better health results and reduced cervical cancer-related illness and death over time.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The research is limited to women of childbearing age (15-45 years) who utilize healthcare services at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna. It specifically investigates their knowledge of cervical cancer preventive measures, such as HPV vaccination and Pap smears, along with their utilization rates. The study further examines socio-demographic characteristics and cultural influences affecting cervical cancer prevention within this group.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Cervical Cancer Preventive Measures: Actions undertaken to lower the risk of developing cervical cancer, including HPV vaccination and regular Pap smears.

Knowledge Level: The extent of understanding and awareness that women in the study population possess regarding cervical cancer, its risk factors, and available preventive measures.

Utilization Rate: The frequency with which women of childbearing age in the study population seek and employ cervical cancer preventive services, such as vaccination and screening.

Factors Influencing: Socio-demographic, cultural, and healthcare-related variables that shape women’s knowledge of cervical cancer and their engagement with preventive measures.

HPV Vaccination: Immunization directed against human papillomavirus, the main causative agent of cervical cancer.

Pap Smear: A diagnostic screening procedure used to identify precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix, facilitating early intervention.

Healthcare Services: All medical and preventive services connected to cervical cancer that are offered by Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital or other regional healthcare providers.

Catchment Area: The geographic region served by Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, from which study participants were selected.