Possible Factors Inhibiting Cervical Cancer Awareness and Screening Among Women in Suleja Local Government Area
Abstract
This study investigates factors inhibiting cervical cancer awareness and screening among women in Suleja Local Government Area. The study was guided by one objective and one hypothesis. The theory of planned behaviour and the Health Belief Model were used which has theoretical underpinnings because both explain individual perceptions and attitudes towards health knowledge and health seeking behaviour. The study made use of both qualitative and quantitative data. The cross-sectional survey design was employed. Taro Yamane was used to determine the sample size of the respondents. The Cochran formula was used to determine the sample distribution. Quantitative data gotten from the field was imputed into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and analyzed using frequency, mean, standard deviation. Simple regression was used to test the study hypotheses at a .05 level of significance. The qualitative data was transcribed, and analysed thematically for responses and based on observation recorded during the Focus group discussion (FGD). The study revealed low screening rates among women who had knowledge of cervical cancer due to socio-cultural, psychological and socio-economic constraint. The study recommended that health professionals and social workers develop and implement evidence-based education programs to improve knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer risk factors.
