Cervical Cancer Screening among Urban Women in Lagos, Nigeria: Focus on Barriers and Motivators for Screening
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/njgp.v18i1.36Keywords:
urban Lagos, Nigeria, motivators, cervical cancer screening, BarriersAbstract
Background: Cervical cancer screening is known to be highly effective in reducing the incidence, morbidity, and mortality associated
with cervical cancer. However, the provision and availability of these screening services have not resulted into increased uptake of cervical cancer screening in many developing countries due to the interplay of several factors which influence women’s decision to undergo or not to undergo cervical cancer screening.
Objective: The objective was to assess the factors that serve as barriers and motivators for cervical cancer screening among urban women in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study conducted among women attending an urban General Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, using a structured questionnaire to assess their barriers and motivators for cervical cancer screening.
Results: Awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening were low among women, accounting for 41.4% and 18.4%, respectively. The major factors motivating women to undergo cervical cancer screening were recommendation by doctor/nurse (53.3%), advice from friends/relatives (21.7%), and enlightenment by the media (20.7%). The major barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening were lack of awareness of screening methods (64.2%), lack of adequate information on screening methods (43.4%), and non-recommendation by doctors (41.4%).
Conclusion: The uptake of cervical cancer screening is low among urban women in Lagos, Nigeria. The lack of awareness and adequate information on cervical cancer and its screening methods were the major barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening, while recommendation by doctors/nurses and advice from friends and relatives were the major motivators for cervical cancer screening.
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