Exploring the Awareness Level of Cervical Cancer Concept Among Post-Menopausal Women in Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria

• Author(s): Evangel Chinyere, Anyanwu ; Priscilla Chidinma Ogbonna ; David Chinaecherem Innocent
• Paper ID: 1705095
• Page: 187-193
• Published Date: 15-10-2023
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 7 Issue 4 October-2023

Abstract

Cervical cancer persists to be a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, where limited healthcare access and awareness contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates among women. This study, conducted in the context of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area (L.G.A) in Imo State, Nigeria, aims to fill a data gap by assessing postmenopausal women's awareness of cervical cancer concepts. A cross sectional study design was adopted for the study. The method adopted in this study is a qualitative method that utilized a well-structured questionnaire & focused group discussions in collecting information from menopausal women who attended a free medical outreach organized by the researcher in three different zones (Ezi east, Ezi west, and Ezi center) in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA through the help research assistant. The results indicated a significant lack of awareness, with 55.1% of participants unfamiliar with cervical cancer. Notably, 43.9% of women exhibited awareness, primarily among those with higher educational backgrounds. On Educational qualification, those with primary education had the highest percentage (36.4%), followed by informal education (31.7%) while tertiary education was the lowest among the participants (4.6%). This study underscores the urgent need for targeted awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to address the notably low levels of cervical cancer awareness among post-menopausal women. Integrating cancer screening education into routine healthcare services can as well empower women with vital information and contribute to a proactive approach towards cervical cancer prevention.

Keywords

Awareness, Cervical Cancer, Post-Menopausal Women, Cancer, Nigeria

Citations

IRE Journals:
Evangel Chinyere, Anyanwu , Priscilla Chidinma Ogbonna , David Chinaecherem Innocent "Exploring the Awareness Level of Cervical Cancer Concept Among Post-Menopausal Women in Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 7 Issue 4 2023 Page 187-193

IEEE:
Evangel Chinyere, Anyanwu , Priscilla Chidinma Ogbonna , David Chinaecherem Innocent "Exploring the Awareness Level of Cervical Cancer Concept Among Post-Menopausal Women in Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 7(4)