Perception on Cervical Cancer, Screening Practices and its Determinants AmongWomen Aged 15-49 in Cibec and Bloc Banen Health Areas, Bonaberi Health District, Douala

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings where awareness and access to screening are limited. This study explores the perceptions, screening practices, and determinants of cervical cancer screening among women aged 15-49 years in Cibec and Bloc Banen Health Areas, Bonaberi Health District, Douala, Cameroon. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 226 participants selected through stratified and systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Findings revealed that 66.8% of participants had heard of cervical cancer, but only 50.4% were aware of screening methods, and a mere 7.5% had ever undergone screening. Barriers to screening included lack of awareness (61.2%), limited accessibility to screening facilities (10.5%), embarrassment (5.7%), and fear of the procedure (5.3%). Socio-demographic factors, including education level (p < 0.005), marital status (p = 0.018), and age group (p = 0.010), were significantly associated with screening uptake. Despite ongoing public health interventions, cervical cancer screening rates remain critically low due to socio-cultural beliefs, economic constraints, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted health education campaigns, community-based outreach programs, and policy-driven improvements in screening accessibility. Increasing awareness, addressing cultural stigmas, and integrating screening services into routine healthcare can enhance early detection and reduce cervical cancer mortality. Implementing these strategies aligns with global health goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).