ABSTRACT

The study examined the Knowledge and Acceptability of Cervical Cancer Screening. The population of the study comprises all the women of child bearing age in Minna Township. Descriptive research design was adopted in the study. The study adopted convenient sampling technique. Questionnaire was the major tool for data collection. A total number of 250 copies of questionnaire were administered to respondents during the study while 237 copies were properly filled and returned for the data analysis. Data collected were analyzed using the descriptive statistical tools of frequency counts, simple percentage, mean, standard deviations and inferential statistics of t-test at 5% level of significance. Among other things the empirical result of the study produced the following key findings women of reproductive age do not have excellent knowledge about cervical cancer screening in Minna Township, there is a low level of acceptability of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Minna Township, and there is a low level of awareness of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Minna Township. To this end, the study recommended that the Niger State government through the commissioner of health should organize more health education through seminars in all health facilities to help all women of reproductive age in Minna Township to be better informed on cervical cancer screening.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1             Background of the Study

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In Nigeria, second after cancer of breast among women of ages 18-49 years is cancer of the cervix. Close to 10.32 women aged 15 years and above within the population are said to be at risk of contracting Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) leading to development of cervix cancer (WHO, 2010).

Cancer of cervix is easily avoidable by way of vaccination before it sets on using HPV vaccine. It can also be averted through regular screening to detect any abnormality in the cervix. Inspection of the cervix is accessible in most of the public health facilities in Nigeria through use of VIA/VILI and Pap smear. Though, screening levels remain low at just 3.2 per cent of among women of age 18-69 years in against 70 per cent of women in the advanced countries (WHO, 2010).

The low uptake for screening has been observed as a cause for illness and death. Through consistent cervix screening and timely management, mortality and morbidity resulting from the condition can be greatly achieved. Uptake of cervical cancer screening services still remain low despite efforts made by the government to incorporate screening programs in the regular patient care through the nationwide cervical cancer prevention strategy that is focusing on primary avoidance, screening and early detection and treatment (MOPHS and MOMS, 2012-2015).

Existing gaps need attention to help combat enhance cervix cancer in Nigeria (Henley, 2012). For timely checkup and timely detection, it helps to have knowledge. Women with a better familiarity of cancer of cervix were highly likely to seek screenings. Lack of knowledge about cancer of cervix remains a critical barrier in women’s access to the screening servies (Terefe & Gaym, 2008). Knowledge level regarding cancer of cervix and screening, perceived behavior in health is higher in the city compared to the country side (Eze, et. al., 2012), however, little is known regarding level of knowledge regarding cancer of cervix in the urban informal settlement such as Minna Township.

Most study findings show practice of screening is followed by awareness of cancer of cervix and knowledge of screening (Terefe & Gaym, 2008). This all show the need of information touching on aspects that are linked with cervix cancer, awareness and promoting screening uptake for cancer of cervix.

Hence, the problem of this study is to examine the knowledge and acceptability of cervical cancer screening with a particular reference to Minna Township.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The fundamental aim of the study is to examine the knowledge and acceptability of cervical cancer screening in Minna Township. The research study was conducted with the following specific objectives:

a)                 To examine the perceived knowledge about cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Minna Township.

b)                 To investigate the level of acceptability of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Minna Township.

c)                 To investigate the level of awareness of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Minna Township.

1.4    Research Hypotheses

The researcher intends to test the following hypotheses:

Hypothesis One

Ho:     Women of reproductive age do not have adequate knowledge about cervical cancer screening in Minna Township.

Hi:      Women of reproductive age have adequate knowledge about cervical cancer screening in Minna Township.

Hypothesis Two

Ho: There is a low level of acceptability of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Minna Township.

H_i: There is a high level of acceptability of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Minna Township.

Hypothesis Three

Ho: There is a high level of awareness of cervical cancer screening among women of      reproductive age in Minna Township.

H_i: There is a low level of awareness of cervical cancer screening among women of         reproductive age in Minna Township.

1.5       Significance of the Study

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