Abstract:
Cervical cancer screening is an essential routine
preventive care program for women of reproductive age.
This screening method involved detecting abnormal
cervical cells. The abnormal cells may develop into
cancer if left untreated. Cervical cancer screening and
early treatment are important in preventing and
controlling cervical cancer disease. The awareness on the
cervical cancer disease and cervical cancer screening
method might encourage elimination of cervical cancer
disease in the community. The aim of this designed study
was to assess the awareness and practice of cervical
cancer screening among women of reproductive age in
Misau Local Government, Bauchi State, Nigeria. This
research employed cross-sectional descriptive study and
questionnaire was used to collect data. It was carried out
in Misau Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
The result of this study shows that, out of 422
respondents only 95 (22.5%) had heard of cervical
cancer disease, 58 (13.7%) were aware of other women
who suffered cervical cancer and only 43 (10.2%) are
aware of women who died of cervical cancer disease. It
was found that all the 422 respondent of this study were
unaware about Pap smear test. Zero level of pap smear
screening practice was also found. The awareness in
other screening method was low in which 6 (1.42%)
knew high vaginal swab (HVS), 2 (0.47%) knew HPV
testing, 2 (0.47%) knew visual inspection with acetic
acid (VIA), and 2 (0.47%) knew other screening method
and perhaps practiced opportunistically. Conclusively,
this study revealed low level of awareness, and poor
practicing of cervical cancer screening. Public awareness
on cervical cancer screening and practicing should be
encouraged by policy makers.
