CERVICAL CANCER: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF SCREENING AMONG WOMEN IN BONGO DISTRICT OF THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Background: In Ghana, cervical cancer is the leading cause of gynaecological cancer related deaths. Early and regular screening has resulted in the decline of the disease burden in developed countries. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of cervical cancer screening among women aged 18 years and older in the Bongo district of the Upper East region of Ghana. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study among 203 women in the Bongo District. Sampling was done at two stage; random selection for the study and systematic for the Household. Associations between variables were determined Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the study population was 26.71 ± 11. A little above half (54.2%) have never heard of cervical cancer (P=0.1121). Knowledge level was poor with a mean score of 11.32 ± 5.6 (Scale 0- 24). Only 5.9% of respondents were screened for the disease (P<0.0001). Majority (84.5%) of respondents cited lack of knowledge of screening service as a barrier. However, 85.6% were willing to undergo screening if the service was made available. There was significant association between age (P=0.027), level of education (P<0.001), knowledge of cervical cancer (P<0.001) and have been screened for the disease. Conclusion: The awareness level and the knowledge score level of the disease were low. A very small percentage had ever been screened for the disease; similarly, a very small percentage knew they were at risk of the disease. However, the majority will like to be screened in the future if the service is made available to them.