ABSTRACT
Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a public health problem because of its increasing prevalence and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To study knowledge, attitudes, and practices about CC and screening among women in a referral hospital in Côte d'Ivoire, a sub-Saharan African country. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study, from September 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021, in the obstetric gynecology consultation unit of the University Hospital of Cocody. It included patients who gave informed consent. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Epi data 3.1 software (CDC Atlanta-USA). Results: 1200 women were included (47.2%) with a mean age of 32 years. General knowledge ranged from 6.2 to 32.7% and main risk factors were advanced age (75.2%), HIV infection (60.3%), early marriage (38.2%), and multiple sexual partners (25.8%). 975 women were able to provide a response (81.3%). 85.2% of women identified signs and symptoms: vaginal bleeding (83.6%), intermenstrual bleeding (65.1%), and foul-smelling discharge (11.9%). The level of knowledge of screening was 79% for PAP smear, 72.6% for VIA and 14.2% for LBC. A positive attitude was observed since 87.8% declared they wanted to perform screening. A significant practice (60.4%) was demonstrated, and the screening tests used were visual inspection with acetic acid (52.6%), Pap smear (39.8%) and liquid-based cytology (7.6%). Conclusion: We revealed a good knowledge of reality of CC, but effective information, education and communication strategies are needed to improve the level of awareness about risk factors, symptoms and preventive methods.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: to determine the frequency of different bacteria causing infectious leucorrhoea and to calculate the percentage of cures after standard treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This 7-month prospective descriptive study took place from October 2003 through April 2004 in the gynaecology department of Cocody University Hospital and in the department of sexually-transmitted infections of the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire. After identification of the organism causing each case of leucorrhoea, we prescribed treatment according to a standard protocol. Vaginal samples were taken after treatment and tested to assess its success. RESULTS: The most frequent bacteria discovered, in descending order, were: Gardnerella vaginalis (47%), Candida albicans (29.4%), Chlamydia trachomatis (13.7%), Trichomonas vaginalis (6.9%), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (2.9%). The overall cure rate was 87%. Treatment failure was most common for C. trachomatis (8 of 14 cases, 57.1%), N. gonorrhoeae (1 of 3 cases) and T. vaginalis (2 of 7 cases, 28.6%). Treatment was 100% effective for G. vaginalis and C. albicans. CONCLUSION: The fight against sexually-transmitted infections should be intensified, and patients and physicians cautioned about use of doubtful generic drugs.
