Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward cervical cancer among market women in the Nigerian federal capital territory, Abuja

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and uptake of cervical cancer screening among market women. Superstitious beliefs and poor knowledge of cervical cancer have been implicated in the cervical cancer prevalence in Africa. Although several studies on the subject exist in Nigeria, most of these studies targeted women seen in health and other governmental institutions. Materials and Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design to recruit 422 women from three major markets in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria using a multistage sampling technique. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to the eligible women during market hours. Knowledge was assessed by computing the average scores assigned to each response item (1 for yes and 0 for No). A mean score above 0.5 was described as fair/good. Perception was assessed using a 5-item Likert scale showing a degree of agreement. Screening uptake was determined based on the percentage of participants who have participated in screening. The data were analyzed using Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25. Results: The proportion of participants described as having a good/fair knowledge of cervical cancer was 31.4%. This proportion varied across the different knowledge domains: general knowledge (39.8%), knowledge of signs and symptoms (16.3%), knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors (3.6%), and knowledge of cervical cancer screening (22.2%). While 90.5% believe that cervical cancer is preventable following early detection, 43% thought that traditional medicine is more effective than hospital in handling cervical cancer. The proportion of cervical cancer screening uptake was 25.3%. The key reason for not going for a test was lack of knowledge of where and how it is done (79.2%). Conclusion: The study suggests poor uptake of cervical cancer screening as well as poor knowledge of cervical cancer which varied across different knowledge domains. It underscores the need to target women in other sectors who may not benefit from awareness programs aimed at women seen at the hospitals or other governmental institutions.