Abstract
Background: If proper screening and preventive measures are used, cervical cancer may be avoidable. However, underutilization of the preventive strategies may arise from lack of knowledge and awareness.
Aims: This study aimed to assess the awareness and acceptance of cervical cancer screening among women attending Abubakar Tafawa Balewa university teaching Hospital Bauchi.
Methods: A descriptive survey design was used, a predesigned, tested, and self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The study population consisted of 209 women monthly and A sample size of 139 was calculated using Taro Yamane formula with attrition rate of 10%, consecutive sampling was employed for the study. A total of 153 questionnaires were distributed and 135 were completely filled and returned for evaluation and analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 29.0. Data from 135 participants were included in the final analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that the majority of the respondent were young adult 45.9%, Awareness of cervical cancer was high (90.3%), while awareness of cervical cancer screening was moderate (68.1%), with radio/television (38.0%), health workers (25.0%), and social media (23.0%) being the main sources of information. HPV testing was the most recognized screening method (85.9%), followed by Pap smear (53.3%) and VIA (14.1%), with 82.2% acknowledging that cervical cancer can be prevented if detected early. Despite this, uptake of screening was very low, with only 12.6% having ever been screened, although 85.6% of those never screened expressed willingness to undergo screening, and 100% would accept screening if recommended by a health worker. Acceptance was influenced by multiple factors including fear of positive results (x̄ = 3.73), fear of pain and embarrassment (x̄ = 3.42), socio-economic constraints (x̄ = 2.82), partner support (x̄ = 3.39), cultural or religious beliefs (x̄ = 3.21), and lack of adequate information (x̄ = 3.87). There was a statistically significant association between awareness and acceptance of cervical cancer screening (χ² = 5.134, df = 3, p = 0.012), indicating that higher awareness positively influences acceptance.
Conclusion: The study found that the majority of respondents were aware of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, but the screening uptake was very low, The study recommends that healthcare providers should prioritize education and awareness programs to improve knowledge on acceptance of cervical cancer screening among women.