DOWNLOAD PDF

Understanding Women’s Awareness of Cervical Cancer at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in the Kasese District, Uganda

Musoki Joan Asiimwe

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry Kampala International University Western Campus Uganda

ABSTRACT

The investigation aimed to evaluate the level of awareness and understanding concerning cervical cancer among female attendees of the gynecology clinic at St. Mary’s Hospital in the Diocese of Kasese (DOK), Uganda. Utilizing a cross-sectional approach, data was collected from a sample of 100 women through structured questionnaires. Although all participants were familiar with cervical cancer, the study revealed significant gaps in their awareness. Only 84% recognized the existence of cervical cancer screening, and merely 16% were aware of the recommended screening interval of three years for non-immunosuppressed women. Moreover, responses varied regarding the age for initial screening, with 40% suggesting screening before 25 years, 20% proposing screening between 25 to 64 years, and 4% indicating symptom-based screening. While 59% acknowledged the preventability of cervical cancer and could identify preventive measures, knowledge about risk factors remained insufficient. For instance, 69% were uncertain about or denied smoking as a risk factor, while less than three-quarters recognized viral causes (59%) and the link between sexually transmitted infections (71%) and weakened immune systems (45%) as potential risks. The study highlights a substantial lack of knowledge regarding cervical cancer among women, despite existing communication strategies in place.

Keywords: Cervical cancer, vaginal bleeding, Gynecology, Sexual partners, Coital bleeding.

INTRODUCTION

 

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally with an estimated 604000 new cases and 342000 deaths in 2020. About 90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low and middle-income countries [1]. Uganda has one of the highest cervical cancer incidence rates in the world (54.8 per 100,000) [2]. Awareness and early detection of cancer are crucial to the management of various types of cancer [3-5]. The reasons for the high incidence and mortality from cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa include a lack of awareness of cervical cancer among the population, health care providers, and policymakers, and limited access to high-quality health care and screening services [6, 7]. The most important significant risk factors that predispose to cervical cancer are the non-routine cervical cancer screening services and underpowered public information [8]. Cervical cancer is a potentially preventable disease if appropriate screening and prophylactic strategies are employed. However, a lack of knowledge can result in underutilization of the preventive strategies [9, 10]. The prevalence of human papillomavirus in the East African region is high estimated at 20% in the general population [11]. Cervical cancer is the leading cancer among Ugandan women contributing to 40% of all cases recorded in the cancer registry [12]. The Ugandan Ministry of Health’s strategic plan for cervical cancer prevention and control 2010-2014 aimed at targeting dissemination of information about cervical cancer, prevention, and treatment to 90% of Ugandans, and screening and treatment of 80% of eligible women aged 25-49 years [13]. However, in a cross-sectional study about knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms among women in refugee settlements in northern Uganda, less than half (40% n=325) had heard of cervical cancer. Half of the women correctly recognized 7 to 11 symptoms of cervical cancer [14]. This therefore indicates a knowledge gap about cervical cancer despite the strategic plan by the Ministry of Health. This study therefore sought to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among women attending the gynecology clinic at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital Diocese of Kasese (DOK).

METHODOLOGY

Study design

A cross-sectional study was used to demonstrate the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among women attending gynecology clinics at St. Mary’s DOK Hospital.

Area of Study

The study area was Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital DoK in Kasese district in western Uganda. It is a private hospital. Kasese district is bordered by Kabarole District in the Northeast, Kamwenge District to the East, Bundibugyo District to the North, Rubirizi District to the South, and DRC to the West.

Study population

The study population was women attending the gynecology clinic at St. Mary’s DOK hospital.

Inclusion Criteria

All women attending the gynecology clinic at Mt St. Mary’s Hospital DOK

Exclusion criteria

Very sick patients attending the gynecology clinic at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital DOK. Those who didn’t have consented.

Sample Size Determination

The Kish Leslie [15] formula n=z2p(1-p)/E2 will be used to estimate the sample size for this study.

It is n=z2p(1-p)/E2

n=estimated minimum sample size required.

P=proportion of a characteristic in a sample. (93%=0.93) (Mutyaba et al. [16])

Z=1.96(for 95% confidence interval)

e= margin of error set at 5%

n= (1.96)2*0.93(1-0.93)/(0.05

n=3.573 *28 =100

Sampling procedures

The simple random sampling technique was used. Several visits were made to the gynecology clinic and those who consented were randomly picked to fill out the questionnaire.

Data collection methods and management

Data was collected using a structured interview-based questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared in English language and translated to the local language of the participant during the interview process where necessary. Data was collected on socio-demographic variables, basic knowledge about cervical cancer, and knowledge with regard to risk factors and signs and symptoms. The questionnaire had both open and closed-ended questions.

Data analysis

The collected data was entered in Microsoft Access, analyzed using SPSS version 14, and presented in tables and pie charts.

Ethical considerations

The research proposal was subjected to approval by the KIU-WC research board and an introductory letter was issued to the researcher to present to the hospital administrator of Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital DOK which is the area of study. Care was taken to ensure that all who agreed to participate in the study did so willingly by signing the consent forms. To obtain informed consent the aims and objectives of the study were explained to the participants and they were given the opportunity to ask for clarification. The information collected was kept confidential and no names appeared on the research documents

  RESULTS

Socio-Demographic Characteristics

The socio-demographic characteristics are shown in Table 1. Of the respondents, 37% were in the age group of 18-25, 37% within 26-30, 26% above 30 years. With regards to nationality, 100% were Ugandans, 99% were from Kasese municipality, and 1% were from Busongora North County in Kasese district.  With regards to the level of education, none had a master’s degree,7% were degree holders,4% with diplomas,33% were certificate holders 4% were senior six leavers, 18% were senior four leavers and 34% had not gone beyond primary education. With regards to marital status the majority were married 63%, single was 22% divorced 4% and none was widowed.

In terms of parity, 25% were nulliparous, 41% had 1-2 children, 15% with 3-4 children, and 19% had more than five children. With regards to occupation,25% were peasants 15% were teachers, a15% were business women, 7% were students,25% with no occupation, 5% were health workers, 1%,1%,2%,3%, were tailors, librarian, hairdressers, cleaners respectively.

 

 

Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of women attending gynecology clinics in the study

Variable Frequency(n=100) Percentage (%)
Age (years)a)                                             18-25
b)                                             26-30
c)                                             Above 30
Total		 37
37
26
100		 37
37
26
100
Nationalitya)                                             Ugandansb)                                             Kenyansc)                                             Tanzanians.d)                                             Congolesee)                                             RwandeseTotal                                                                                     10000000000100 10000000000100
Addressa)                                             Busongora northb)                                             Kasese municipalityc)                                             Total 199
100		 199100
Marital statusa)                                             Singleb)                                             Marriedc)                                             Divorcedd)                                             WidowedTotal 22630400100 22630400100
Number of children.a)                                             00b)                                             1-2       c)     3-4       d)      >5total 25411519100 25411519100
Occupationa)                                             Peasantsb)                                             Teachersc)                                             Accountantsd)                                             Health workerse)                                             Businesswomenf)                                             Hairdressersg)                                             Studentsh)                                             Cleanersi)                                              Librarianj)                                             Tailork)                                             NilTotal 2515010515020703010125100 2515010515020703010125100

Source: study fieldwork data 2022

Basic Awareness of Cervical Cancer

The respondents were asked about some basics of cervical cancer to assess their general knowledge of cervical cancer. The responses are in Table 2. All the respondents had heard of cervical cancer i.e. 100% and of these 84% were aware of a cervical cancer screening program as the rest of the 15% were not aware of any screening program. Of the 84% who were aware of cervical cancer screening 16% knew that the interval for screening is 3 years, 14% after 1 year, 10% said after 2 years and 44% didn’t know what the interval was. The 84% of the respondents who were aware of cervical cancer screening made their suggestions on the age at which cervical cancer is screened where 40% said less than 25years, 20% said it can be screened at any age between 25 and 64,4% said it can be screened when one sees the signs and symptoms,20% didn’t make a suggestion of the age.

 

                                      Table 2; Basic awareness of cervical cancer

Variable Frequency(n) Percentage (%)
Heard of cervical cancer.
a)                                           Yes
b)                                           No
Total		 100
00
100		 100
00
100
Aware of cervical cancer screening program
a)                                           Yes
c)                                           no
total

84
15
100

84
15
100
If yes, how often should one screen
a)                                           After 1 yearb)           After 2 years
d)                                            After 3 years
e)                                           Don’t know
Total

1410
16
44
84

1410
16
44
84
if yes, the age of the first screeninga) < 25 years.b) 25-64 yearsc) when one sees the signs and symptomsd) don’t knowtotal 4020420
84		 4020420
84

Source; study fieldwork data 2023

Views on the possibility of prevention and preventive measures for the development of cervical cancer

The respondents were asked whether cervical cancer is preventable or not. the results are presented in the pie chart below Those who said it was preventable were further asked about the preventive measures (at least one) of cervical cancer.59% of the respondents said it was preventable,6% said it was not preventable whereas 35% didn’t know whether it was preventable or not.

Those who were knowledgeable about cervical cancer being preventable mentioned the following preventive measures

  • Screening regularly
  • Treating sexually transmitted infections
  • Maintaining good personal hygiene
  • Avoiding multiple sexual partners
  • Immunization
  • Sensitization of the public
  • Having safe sex i.e using protective
  • Encouraging safe male circumcision.

Figure 1: A Piechart Showing the Knowledge Possibility of Prevention of Cervical Cancer              

Source: Study Field Work Data 2023

Knowledge of the Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

To assess the level of knowledge on the risk factors of cervical cancer development, the Likert psychometric response scale was used in the questionnaire. This is shown in Table 3.

               Table 3: Respondent’s ideas on the risk factors for cancer development

Risk factor Agree
N(%)		 Strongly agreeN(%) Disagree
N(%)		 Strongly disagreeN(%) Not sureN(%) Total
Long-term use of contraceptives 44(44.0) 38(38.0) 5(5.0) 1(1.0) 12(12.0) 100
Infection with human papillomavirus 25(25.0) 27(27.0) 7(7.0) 0(0.0) 41(41.0) 100
Having a sexually transmitted infection 45(45.0) 26(26.0) 3(3.0) 4(4.0) 41(41.0) 100
Smoking any form of cigarettes 21(21.0) 10(10.0) 11(11.0) 22(22.0) 36.0(36.0) 100
Having a weak immune system e.g. HIV/AIDS. 24(24.0) 21(21.0) 10(10.0) 10(10.0) 35(35.0) 100
Uncircumcised sexual partner 34(34.0) 43(43.0) 3(3.0) 5(5.0) 15(15.0) 100
Starting sexual intercourse too early 25(25.0) 45(45.0) 3(3.0) 5(5.0) 22(22.0) 100
Having unprotected sex with many sexual partners 38(38.0) 38(38.0) 2(2.0) 2(2.0) 20(20.0) 100
Giving birth to many children frequently 17(17.0) 19(19.0) 13(13.0) 8(8.0) 43(43.0) 100
Not seeking regular cervical cancer screening 30(30.0) 30(30.0) 3(3.0) 5(5.0) 32(32.0) 100
Having a sexual partner that has had many sexual partners 28(28.0) 38(38.0) 2(2.0) 3(3.0) 29(29.0) 100
Having a sexual partner whose wife had cervical cancer 63(63.0) 32(32.0) 0(0.0) 0(0.0) 5(5.0) 100

Source; study fieldwork data 2023

Knowledge of Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

This was also assessed using the psychometric scale with “yes”, “no” and “I don’t know” options to determine the level of knowledge on the symptoms of cervical cancer marked out by the women who responded in this study.

Table 4; Respondents’ opinions on the symptoms of cervical cancer

Symptoms  YesN(%) NoN(%) Don’t knowN(%) Total
Vaginal bleeding between periods 64(64.0) 11(11.0) 25(25.0) 100
Persistent vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell 62(62.0) 14(14.0) 24(24.0) 100
Continuous lower back pain 40(40.0) 14(14.0) 46(46.0) 100
Longer than usual and heavy menstrual periods 52(52.0) 16(16.0) 32(32.0) 100
Vaginal bleeding after menopause 65(65.0) 10(10.0) 25(25.0) 100
Painful sexual intercourse 66(66.0) 7(7.0) 27(27.0) 100
Bleeding during and after sexual intercourse 71(71.0) 7(7.0) 22(22.0) 100
Persistent pelvic pain 56(56.0) 10(10.0) 34(34.0) 100
Blood in stool or urine 40(40.0) 25(25.0) 35(35.0) 100
Having persistent diarrhea 13(13.0) 34(34.0) 53(53.0) 100
Unexplained weight loss 41(41.0) 17(17.0) 42(42.0) 100

Source; Study fieldwork data 2023

DISCUSSION

Basic awareness of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the most common female cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in low-income countries. it is estimated that 300,000 women die from cervical cancer every year and most of them are from low-income countries [17]. Nevertheless, the general knowledge about cervical cancer among women is still lacking yet there is proof that lack of awareness leads to late diagnosis and poor prognosis [18]. Many research studies on knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, screening, and treatment have elaborated that the general population has limited information [19, 20]. This does not differ from this study where 84% of the women were aware of cervical cancer screening and of these only 16% knew that the recommended screening interval for cervical cancer for non-immunosuppressed women is 3 years and of the 84%, 20 women suggested that the age of first screening is any age between 25 to 64 years. This slightly differs from a cross-sectional study done in Zimbabwe among mothers of girls aged 9 to 14 years, 416 women participated and the majority 238(63.4%) said the recommended interval for screening is 3 years, with 47.7% thought it’s every year, 19.3% consider it to be 5years while over a third (140,34.6%) didn’t know [17]. The majority of the women in this study had the right knowledge that screening should be done at 21 to 65 years, 13% said if with symptoms, 15% said any time from birth, 9% said if with positive family history and 1% said all breastfeeding mothers should be screened.

Prevention of the development of cervical cancer

Of all the respondents, 59% said cervical cancer is preventable, 6% said it is not preventable, 35% didn’t know and all 59% were able to mention at least one preventive measure. This is almost similar to the findings of a cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Bugiri and Mayuge districts in eastern Uganda where 900 women participated and most women (562;62.4%) knew at least one preventive measure [21].

Knowledge of risk factors of cervical cancer

Risk factors that predispose to cervical cancer include HPV infection, sexually transmitted infections, long-term use of contraceptives, smoking, having a weak immune system, having an uncircumcised sexual partner, early sexual intercourse, having unprotected sex with many sexual partners, multiparity, HIV, not seeking for regular pap smear and sexual partners polygamy [22-24]. In this study, knowledge of risk factors was assessed with statements to determine the degree of agreement or disagreement, only less than three-quarters of them (59% n=59) agreed that it is caused by human papillomavirus, this differs from a study carried out in Zimbabwe by Zibako et al. [17] where 96% of the respondents mentioned that HPV causes cervical cancer, 24.6% didn’t know what causes cervical cancer, 57.8% thought by witchcraft. In this study, 76% agreed that having multiple sexual partners, 95% agreed to have a sexual partner whose wife had cervical cancer, and 66% agreed that having a sexual partner with many sexual partners is a risk whereas in the study done in Zimbabwe, only 24% thought it can be sexually transmitted [17]. This also doesn’t differ from a study carried out in a British population where only 14% of the respondents were aware of a link with sexual transmission and fewer than 1% named HPV [25]. In this study, only 31% agreed that smoking contributes to cervical cancer correlates with a population-based study in Addis Ababa where 24.17% recalled smoking as a risk factor [26]. For having an uncircumcised sexual partner majority of them (77%) agreed and for having HIV/AIDS 45% agreed which differs from a study in Harare, Zimbabwe where only 5 were aware of the uncircumcised partner being a risk and only 7% were aware that HIV is a risk [27]. A good number of the respondents disagreed and were not sure (64%, 30%) that high parity and too early sex respectively, and long-term use of contraceptives (18%) were risks. This correlates with the study where the knowledge about these risks was insufficient [28]. Therefore, the knowledge of the risk factors of cervical cancer development was insufficient among the women that attended the gynecology clinic at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital DoK which calls for intensification of public awareness through the media and health education programs about the risk factors and how to avoid them.  Knowledge of the risk factors of various types of cancers is important for early diagnosis and cancer management outcomes [29-31].

Knowledge of the symptoms of cervical cancer

As part of the assessment of knowledge of cervical cancer, the knowledge of symptoms was assessed. The respondents accepted that vaginal bleeding (64%), abnormal vaginal discharge (62%), vaginal bleeding after menopause (65%), painful sexual intercourse (66%), and bleeding during and after sex (71%) are symptoms of cervical cancer. This differs slightly from a study where the respondents correctly identified bleeding between periods (306; 52.8%), persistent pelvic pain (292;50.3%), foul-smelling discharge (288;49.7%), discomfort during sexual intercourse (276,47.6%), and post-coital discomfort (242;41.7%) [32]. However, the majority of the respondents in this study didn’t know nor accept that persistent diarrhea (87%), longer than usual menstrual periods (68%), blood in stool or urine (60%), weight loss (59%), low back pain (60%) and persistent pelvic pain (44%) are symptoms of cervical cancer. This study doesn’t differ from a study by Mukama et al. [21] in eastern Uganda where only a few of them knew very few of the symptoms of cervical cancer (postcoital bleeding, vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain). Although for most of the symptoms, the majority were knowledgeable there is still insufficient knowledge in the broad picture about the symptoms of cervical cancer.

Basic awareness of cervical cancer

This study has revealed an insufficiency of basic knowledge on cervical cancer though all the respondents (100%) had heard of cervical cancer, most of them didn’t have more knowledge about the screening and preventive measures and only 84% were aware of a screening program, and of these only 16% knew that the recommended interval for screening is 3 years, 20% suggested that it can be screened any time between 25 and 64 years. Of all the respondents only 59% affirmed that it was preventable and each of them was able to mention one preventive measure.

Knowledge of risk factors of cervical cancer

The knowledge on risk factors was insufficient with more than half of the women disagreeing and not sure whether smoking is a risk, only 59% agreeing that it is caused by a virus,71% agreeing that having an STI is a risk, 82% agreed that long term use of contraceptives and 45% having a weak immune system e.g. HIV/AIDS. 36%, 60%, 76%, and 66% agreed that giving birth to many children frequently, not seeking regular cervical cancer screening, having multiple sexual partners, and having a sexual partner who has had many sexual partners, respectively, are risk factors.

Recommendations

The hospital can increase awareness about cervical cancer among women by organizing regular health education talks in the hospital to all patients in the outpatient, those that attend the maternal and child health care clinic (MCH), and all the other clinics. The hospital can provide cheap if not free cervical cancer screening services after creating awareness of cervical cancer to encourage women to screen. The hospital can organize outreach to the community after the proper training of the health workers to go out in public places like churches, schools, and markets to educate the public about cervical cancer. The Ministry of Health, Uganda can play a big role in enhancing the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among health workers and the entire community by increasing the budget allocation for health services publicity which can be done through the local media like radios, televisions, and on rural platforms like market places, through local leaders like local council chairmen, religious leaders.

REFERENCES

  1. Key facts about cervical cancer, 2022.
  2. Nakisige, C., Trawin, J., Mitchell-Foster, S., et al.(2020). Integrated cervical cancer screening in Mayuge District Uganda (ASPIRE Mayuge): a pragmatic sequential cluster randomized trial protocol. BMC Public Health 20, 142. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8216-9.
  3. Alum, E. U., Inya, J. E., Ugwu, O. P. C., Obeagu, I.E., Aloke, C., Aja, P. M., Okpata, M. G., John, E. C., Orji, M. O., & Onyema, O. (2023). Ethanolic leaf extract of Datura stramonium attenuates Methotrexate-induced Biochemical Alterations in Wistar Albino rats. RPS Pharmacy and Pharmacology Reports, 2(1):1–6. doi: 10.1093/rpsppr/rqac011.
  4. Ibiam, U. A., Uti, D. E., Ejeogo, C. C., Orji, O. U., Aja, P. M., Ezeaani, N. N., Alum, E. U., Chukwu, C., Aloke C., Chinedum, K. E., Agu, P., & Nwobodo, V. (2023). In Vivo and in Silico Assessment of Ameliorative Effects of Xylopia aethiopica on Testosterone Propionate-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Pharmaceut Fronts., 5: e64–e76. DOI:1055/s-0043-1768477.
  5. Aja, P. M., Agu, P. C., Ezeh, E. M., et al. (2021). Prospect into therapeutic potentials of Moringa oleifera phytocompounds against cancer upsurge: de novo synthesis of test compounds, molecular docking, and ADMET studies. Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 45(1): 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-021-00554-6.
  6. Eilu, E., Akinola, S., Odoki, M., Kato, C., & Adebayo, I. (2021). Prevalence of high-risk HPV types in women with cervical cancer in Eastern Uganda. Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 6(1):45-56.
  7. Ntekim, A. (2012). Cervical Cancer in Sub Sahara Africa. In: Topics on Cervical Cancer With an Advocacy for Prevention. IntechOpen.
  8. Nakisige, C., Trawin, J., Mitchell-Foster, S., Payne, B.A., Rawat, A., Mithani, N., Amuge, C., Pedersen, H., Orem, J., Smith, L., & Ogilvie, G. (2020). Integrated cervical cancer screening in Mayuge District Uganda (ASPIRE Mayuge): a pragmatic sequential cluster randomized trial protocol. BMC Public Health. 20, 142. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8216-9
  9. Ndejjo, R., Mukama, T., Musabyimana, A., & Musoke, D. (2016). Uptake of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among women in Rural Uganda: a cross sectional PLoS One, 11(2): e0149696.
  10. Heena, H., Durrani, S., AlFayyad, I., Riaz, M., Tabasim, R., Parvez, G., et al.. (2019). Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Cervical Cancer and Screening amongst Female Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Oncol., 5423130. doi: 10.1155/2019/5423130.
  11. Hyacinth, H.I., Adekeye, O.A., Ibeh, J.N., & Osoba, T. (2012). Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Awareness and Utilization of Pap Smear Test among Federal Civil Servants in North Central Nigeria. PLoS One. 7, e46583. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0046583
  12. Obol, J.H., Lin, S., Obwolo, M.J. et al.(2021). Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of cervical cancer prevention among health workers in rural health centres of Northern Uganda. BMC Cancer 21, 110. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-021-07847-z
  13. Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH). Strategic plan for cervical cancer control in Uganda, 2010.
  14. Adoch, W., Garimoi, C.O., Scott, S.E. et al.(2020). Knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms among women in a refugee settlement: a cross-sectional study in northern Uganda. Confl Health 14, 85 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-020-00328-3
  15. Wiegand, H., & Kish, L. (1968). Survey Sampling. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, London 1965, IX + 643 S., 31 Abb., 56 Tab., Preis 83 s. Biometrische Zeitschrift. 10, 88–89. https://doi.org/10.1002/bimj.19680100122
  16. Mutyaba, T., Mmiro, F.A. & Weiderpass, E. (2006). Knowledge, attitudes and practices on cervical cancer screening among the medical workers of Mulago Hospital, Uganda. BMC Med Educ6, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6920-6-13
  17. Zibako, P., Hlongwa, M., Tsikai, N. et al.(2021). Mapping evidence on management of cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: scoping review protocol. Syst Rev 10, 180. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01740-3
  18. Mwaka, A.D., Okello, E.S., Kiguli, J. et al.(2014). Understanding cervical cancer: an exploration of lay perceptions, beliefs and knowledge about cervical cancer among the Acholi in northern Uganda. BMC Women’s Health 14, 84. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-14-84
  19. Yoshino, Y., Ohta, H., & Kawashima, M. (2012). The knowledge of cervical cancer and screening adherence among nurses at a university-affiliated hospital in Japan. The Kitasato Medical Journal, 42, 6-14.
  20. Nakisige, C., Schwartz, M., & Ndira, A.O. (2017). Cervical cancer screening and treatment in Uganda. Gynecol Oncol Rep. 20, 37–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gore.2017.01.009
  21. Mukama, T., Ndejjo, R., Musabyimana, A., Halage, A. A., & Musoke, D. (2017). Women’s knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention: a cross sectional study in Eastern Uganda. BMC Womens Health, 17(1):9. doi: 10.1186/s12905-017-0365-3.
  22. Obeagu, E.I., Alum, E.U., & Obeagu, G.U. (2023). Factors Associated with Prevalence of HIV Among Youths: A Review of Africa Perspective. Madonna University Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 3(1): 13-18. https://madonnauniversity.edu.ng/journals/index.php/medicine
  23. Alum, E. U., Ugwu, O. P. C., Obeagu, E. I., Aja, P. M., Okon, M. B., & Uti, D. E.  (2023). Reducing HIV Infection Rate in Women: A Catalyst to reducing HIV Infection pervasiveness in Africa. International Journal of Innovative and Applied Research, 11(10):01-06. DOI: 58538/IJIAR/2048. http://dx.doi.org/10.58538/IJIAR/2048
  24. Black, E., & Hyslop, F. (2019). Richmond, R.: Barriers and facilitators to uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in Uganda: a systematic review. BMC Women’s Health. 19, 108. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-019-0809-z
  25. Waller, J., McCaffery, K., & Wardle, J. (2004). Beliefs about the risk factors for cervical cancer in a British population sample. Prev Med., 38(6):745-53. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.01.003.
  26. Tekeste, Z., Berhe, N., Arage, M. et al.(2023). Correction: Cancer signs and risk factors awareness in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a population-based survey. Infect Agents Cancer 18, 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13027-023-00538-3
  27. Tapera, O., Dreyer, G., Kadzatsa, W. et al.(2019). Cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of women aged at least 25 years in Harare, Zimbabwe. BMC Women’s Health 19, 91. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-019-0790-6
  28. Al-Darwish, A. A., Al-Naim, A. F., Al-Mulhim, K. S., Al-Otaibi, N. K., Morsi, M. S., & Aleem, A. M. (2014). Knowledge about cervical cancer early warning signs and symptoms, risk factors and vaccination among students at a medical school in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev., 15(6):2529-32. doi: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.6.2529.
  29. Obeagu, E. I., Omar, D. E., Bunu, U. O., Obeagu, G. U., Alum, E. U., & Ugwu, O. P. C. (2023). Leukaemia burden in Africa. J. Curr. Res. Biol. Med., (1): 17- 22. DOI:10.22192/ijcrbm.2023.08.01.003.
  30. Alum, E. U., Famurewa, A. C., Orji, O. U., Aja, P. M., Nwite, F., Ohuche, S. E., Ukasoanya, S. C., Nnaji, L. O., Joshua, D., Igwe, K. U., & Chima, S. F. (2023). Nephroprotective effects of Datura stramonium leaves against methotrexate nephrotoxicity via attenuation of oxidative stress-mediated inflammation and apoptosis in rats. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 13(4): 377-387. doi: 10.22038/ ajp.2023.21903.
  31. Obeagu, E. I., Ahmed, Y. A., Obeagu, G. U., Bunu, U. O., Ugwu, O. P. C., & Alum, E. U. (2023). Biomarkers of breast cancer: Overview. J. Curr. Res. Biol. Med., (1): 8-16. DOI:10.22192/ijcrbm.2023.08.01.002
  32. Syed, S. A., Nusrath, Y., & Muhammad, A. K. (2022). Cervical Cancer and Its Screening: Assessing the Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception among Health and Allied Students”, Education Research International, Article ID 4608643,17.https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/4608643

CITE AS: Musoki Joan Asiimwe (2023). Understanding Women’s Awareness of Cervical Cancer at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in the Kasese District, Uganda. INOSR Experimental Sciences 12(2):23-32. https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRES/2023/2.2.1000

DOWNLOAD PDF