Factors influencing the acceptance of cervical cancer screening among civil servants in Delta State Secretariat

ABSTRACT

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the top two cancers affecting Nigerian women. This has created impetus to investigate the situation. This third of a four-part series seeks to evaluate perception, acceptance and psychosocial factors of cervical screening among women who are gainfully employed in the State’s civil service within Delta State Secretariat.Methods: Based on cross-sectional descriptive survey using a structured questionnaire and ‘N=285’ participants. Statistical analysis assessed percentage proportions of respondents; as well as absolute and relative frequencies of the factors associated with acceptance of screening. Chi-squared analysis was based on no/yes response to have done cervical screening.Results: About 10% of respondents have undergone cervical screening. 16% of the lowest income earners have done the screening, compared to 8% and 10% of the mid income and high income group, respectively. Nature of work implying time constraints was an absolute factor. Knowledge of what cervical cancer is; the causes; how to detect and prevent it are significantly associated (p <0.01), while accessibility, fear of adverse effect and attitude of healthcare workers were significant psychosocial factors (p 0.01).Conclusions: This report affirms nature of work and accessibility as two of four major factors influencing acceptance of cervical screening among working class women in Delta State secretariat. It is hereby suggested to expound sites of cervical service programs.