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Knowledge, practice, and barriers toward cervical cancer screening in elmina, southern ghana

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dc.contributor.author Ebu, Nancy Innocentia
dc.contributor.author Mupepi, Sylvia C.
dc.contributor.author siakwa, Mate Peter
dc.contributor.author Sampselle, Carolyn M.
dc.date.accessioned 2023-11-28T15:28:34Z
dc.date.available 2023-11-28T15:28:34Z
dc.date.issued 2018
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/10435
dc.description.abstract Aims: The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the level of knowledge of women about Pap smear tests, 2) to determine the practices of women regarding Pap smear tests, and 3) to determine the barriers to Pap smear tests in Elmina, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 392 randomly selected sexually active females aged 10–74 years using structured interview questions. The Institutional Review Board of the University of Cape Coast gave ethical approval for the study and informed consent was obtained from participants. Data were analyzed with SPSS software (v19.0) using frequencies, chi-square test, and exploratory factor analysis. Results: The results revealed that 68.4% had never heard about cervical cancer, 93.6% had no knowledge on the risk factors, nine (2.3%) reported multiple sexual partners and being sexually active as risk factors, and 92% did not know about the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. The majority (97.7%) had never heard of the Pap smear test. Only three (0.8%) women out of 392 had had a Pap smear test. Reasons for seeking a Pap smear test included referral, fear of cervical cancer, and radio campaigns. A significant association was found between institutional and personal barriers and having a Pap smear test. Conclusion: Comprehensive education on cervical cancer screening and removal of access barriers are critical in reducing risk associated with the disease and promoting women’s health en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher International Journal of Women’s Health en_US
dc.subject women en_US
dc.subject cervical screening en_US
dc.subject awareness en_US
dc.subject factors en_US
dc.subject community en_US
dc.subject Developing countries en_US
dc.title Knowledge, practice, and barriers toward cervical cancer screening in elmina, southern ghana en_US
dc.type Article en_US


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