Knowledge and Use of Cervical Cancer Prevention Services among Social Work and Nursing University Students

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Among Women of Childbearing Age: A Qualitative Study of a Local Council in South-Eastern Nigeria

The study investigated the knowledge of cervical cancer among women of childbearing age in a local council of a southeastern Nigerian state, aiming at improving attitudes toward screening uptake and early detection. The health belief model served as a guide for the study's qualitative exploratory research design. Using a combination of purposive and availability sampling strategies, a sample of 20 women participants with varying ages (23-36 years) were selected from 10 villages. The findings revealed that participants have limited knowledge of cervical cancer, with misconceptions and cultural beliefs influencing their understanding. The findings identified factors contributing to the lack of knowledge, including limited access to information and resources, fear, social disapproval, and financial constraints resulting from poverty. The findings also revealed that lack of knowledge has detrimental effects on women's mental, psychological, and social lives, including their relationships with friends and family. In addition, education, awareness campaigns, collaboration with medical personnel, and community engagements were effective strategies to enhance knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer programs among women. The study revealed that the findings imply social work. However, the study recommended that future investigations should consider a larger, more diverse sample to validate these findings and explore strategies to improve knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among women in Nigeria.

The Effect of Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Education on Vaccination Perception in University Students: A Quasi-Experimental Controlled Educational Intervention

Purpose: The study investigated the impact of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine education on university students' vaccination perceptions. Methods: This research was conducted with pre- posttest and quasi-experimental design with students enrolled in the department of health services of a university. The sample of the study consisted of 87 students (n = 43 in the intervention group, n = 44 in the control group). Research data were collected between June 29 and July 22, 2022, using the Introductory Information Form and HPV Information Scale. An informative training program about cervical cancer and HPV was applied to the intervention group. This training program was carried out in two separate sessions. In the first session, information was given about the prevalence, pathology, and risk factors of cervical cancer. In the second session, general information about HPV, details about the vaccine, and vaccination programs were given. Training sessions are organized as small group discussions and seminars covering relevant topics. Results: In our study, the average age of our students was 20.7 ± 2.5 years, and in both groups, the proportion of students who did not know about HPV, which can cause cervical cancer, was quite high (74.4%, 68.2%). The majority of the control and intervention groups needed health education about STDs. There were statistically significant differences between the control and intervention groups in terms of the pre-test and posttest Knowledge of HPV Scale scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that the education on cervical cancer and HPV positively affected the perspectives of the students on vaccination. Interactive and group-oriented education increases knowledge sharing by encouraging interaction among students. In this way, a broader knowledge base about cervical cancer and HPV can be created, and misinformation can be corrected.

Identifying the key barriers, facilitators and factors associated with cervical cancer screening attendance in young women: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC) results in around 604,00 new cancer cases yearly and is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Uptake rates for both the HPV vaccination and screening have been decreasing over recent years, particularly in young women, whilst CC remains a concern for both low- and high-income countries.

OBJECTIVES

To highlight the key barriers and facilitators of CC screening attendance in young women and to identify the factors associated with their CC screening behaviour, to inform interventions to increase screening rates.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES AND METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycINFO/PyscARTICLES and CINAHL. The review included primary qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies that reported barriers, facilitators and factors associated with current CC screening behaviours in women aged 30 or below. Outcomes were summarised narratively. Risk of bias was conducted for individual studies using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool.

RESULTS

Among the 106 studies included in the review, the most frequently reported barriers were financial constraints (n = 36), embarrassment (n = 35) and low accessibility to obtaining screening (n = 34). The most frequently reported facilitators were knowledge of CC (n = 12), healthcare provider recommendations (n = 11) and communication with friends (n = 11). Age (older), marital status (in a relationship) and sexual activity (active) were key factors associated with attendance at screening. Studies also highlighted that those vaccinated were more likely to have screened than those not vaccinated against HPV.

CONCLUSION

These unique factors represent potential targets for interventions to increase CC screening attendance in young women. Future research could benefit from employing strong theoretical frameworks, such as the COM-B model of behavioural change, to categorise and gain further insight into the contributing factors affecting CC screening attendance.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022324948.

Determinants of Protective Healthcare Services Awareness among Female Syrian Refugees in Turkey

War-related migration may deprive people of access to a regular healthcare system and cause new diseases to be battled. Since refugee women are more vulnerable to diseases during this period, protective healthcare services awareness is critical for early disease diagnosis. Following the civil war that triggered the migration of millions of Syrians, an extensive survey was undertaken in coordination with the World Health Organization Country Office in Turkey to explore the health status of Syrian refugees in Turkey. Employing the survey data, we aimed to investigate the determinants of the awareness of protective health services (Pap smear test, mammogram, HIV test) among female Syrian refugees. Logit regression analysis was applied in order to investigate the determinants of the awareness of protective health services among the female refugee population. The results revealed a notably low rate of awareness of protective health services among female Syrian refugees. Furthermore, the association of explanatory variables, including socioeconomic factors, healthcare use, and health literacy with the protective health services awareness, was found to be significant.