Barriers to accessing cervical cancer prevention services among out-of-school young women in Ibadan

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer accounts for an estimated 604,127 cases and 341,831 deaths. 84% of cervical cancer morbidities and 88% of cervical cancer-related mortality in such areas are attributed to women in developing countries. Out-of-school young women are a vulnerable and underserved population in public health, having limited access to health education and prevention services. This study aims to identify the willingness and barriers to accessing cervical cancer prevention services which is key to developing strategies that enhance the uptake among out-of-school young women. METHODS: In a community-based cross-sectional study among 356 out-of-school young women aged 15-24 years in Ibadan North Local Government Area, eligible respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analysed with SPSS version 27. RESULTS: Most respondents (n = 224, 62.9%) were aged 15-19 years, with the mean age being 18.9 ± 2.42, and unemployed (n = 327, 91.9%). Main barriers to accessing cervical cancer prevention services include lack of awareness of the strategy (HPV vaccine (n = 302/356, 84.8%, Pap Smear - 306/356, 86%), absence of services centre (HPV vaccination centre - n = 115/356, 32.3%, Pap smear screening centre - 115, 32.3% and HPV test - n = 89, 25%), fear of positive result (HPV test - 104/356, 29.2%) and high cost of screening (HPV test - 303/356, 85.1%). CONCLUSION: Low knowledge, high cost, lack of awareness of services and fear of positive results significantly impede access to cervical cancer preventive services. Educational campaigns to increase awareness and uptake of cervical cancer prevention services are recommended.