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  2. Vol 5 Issue 1, 2023
  3. Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Cervical Cancer Screening
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Emma Plange , Jacob K Abebrese

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Cervical Cancer Screening

This research aimed to evaluate the understanding of cervical cancer and its screening methods among women. Utilizing a cross-sectional quantitative approach, the study selected 433 women from the Ada East municipality through multistage sampling. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire, focusing on quantitative aspects. Microsoft Excel played a key role in data entry, while the SPSS software facilitated both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The findings revealed a significant knowledge gap: only 16.25% of the participants had adequate awareness of cervical cancer, leaving a vast majority (83.75%) with insufficient information. Among the respondents, 23.8% believed in the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer. The study extended to Burkina Faso's capital, targeting women aged 20 to 50. This segment, comprising 840 women, provided insights into their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer. A mere 8.5% were aware of the human papillomavirus, and 64.2% knew about cervical cancer. The study also uncovered variations in perceptions of the disease's severity and the general level of awareness about cervical cancer. Factors such as educational and employment status, alongside perceived barriers and the rigor of the Pap test, influenced their inclination toward screening. The study concludes by urging the Ghana Health Service to intensify cervical cancer awareness and education initiatives in the Ada East District, focusing on enhancing women's knowledge about the disease and the criticality of regular screening.