Knowledge of cervical cancer and patronage of cervical cancer screening services among female health workers in Kumasi, Ghana.

Abstract

AIM To determine knowledge about cervical cancer, and patronage of cervical cancer prevention services among female health workers in Kumasi.

METHODS An 11-item structured questionnaire containing items on characteristics and knowledge of respondents on risk factors, symptoms and prevention of cervical cancer was administered to a total of 361 female health workers in three health institutions.

RESULTS Nurses constituted 63.4% of respondents, health care assistants 15%, doctors 2.5%, pharmacists 2.2% and support staff 16.9%.

The majority of respondents 303 (83.9%) considered cervical cancer to be a life-threatening condition. Fifty five percent of respondents said the cause of cervical cancer was related to sexual activity whilst 33% of them said cervical cancer and sexual activity were not related.

Fifty five percent knew at least three risk factors and 58% knew at least three symptoms of cervical cancer. Seventy five percent of the respondents said cervical cancer was a preventable disease but only 11.6% of respondents had ever been screened for cervical cancer. Of all the respondents, 16.1% mentioned Pap smear and 4.4% mentioned VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) as screening tools for cervical cancer. There was generally poor knowledge of the location of screening centres, age at which screening should start and screening intervals among respondents.

CONCLUSIONS Female health workers in Ghana should be sensitised to patronise the few screening centres available now as they could then play a pivotal role in educating and encouraging other women to make use of these centres. Clear national policy guidelines on cervical cancer screening should be useful.