Abstract

This descriptive cross sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of female health workers at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto with respect to cervical cancer Pap smear screening. A multistage sampling method was used to select a total of 240 subjects. Data was collected using a set of structured, self administered questionnaire which sought information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of cervical cancer, knowledge of cervical cancer screening and uptake of screening services amongst the respondents. Data was analysed using Epi-info statistical software with level of statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Almost all [217 (98.6%)] of the respondents had ever heard of cervical cancer, 217 (98.6%) of the respondents had good knowledge (≥ 50%) about cancer of the cervix, while 199 (90.5%) knew that it can be detected by cytological screening. The mean knowledge score was 82.2 ± 13.8. Of the 220 study subjects, only 22 (10%) had ever done the screening test. The most common reason for not assessing Pap smear screening services was the perception that the subjects were not at risk of the disease. Education of female health workers on the dangers posed by the disease, and reassurance to overcome all possible barriers towards acceptance of the screening test are recommended.

Key words: Cervical cancer, Pap smear, female health workers, knowledge.