SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRACTICE OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN IN ANTENATAL AND POST NATAL CLINIC IN DALHATU ARAF SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Cervical Cancer, Women, Culture, Social, PracticeAbstract
Cervical cancer continues to be a substantial health issue for women worldwide,
with a particularly high burden in low-resource settings where access to preventive care is often
limited. Although screening is an effective, cost-efficient way to reduce cervical cancer
incidence and improve outcomes, the rate of screening in the study area remains low. This
research aimed to examine the socio-cultural factors affecting cervical cancer screening
practices among women attending antenatal and postnatal care at Dalhatu Araf Specialist
Hospital, Lafia, using the Health Belief Model. A mixed-methods approach was employed,
incorporating surveys and in-depth interviews to gain a nuanced understanding of the
determinants influencing screening behaviour. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS
version 25.0, while qualitative responses were organised thematically. The study found that,
although awareness of cervical cancer was high among respondents, numerous barriers limited
screening uptake. Factors such as a low perceived personal risk of cervical cancer, financial
constraints, spousal approval, fear of a positive diagnosis, lack of information about available
screening facilities, religious beliefs, discomfort with male healthcare providers, and overall
lack of awareness of screening benefits all impacted women's willingness and ability to engage
in screening practices. These findings show a complex interplay of personal beliefs, socio-
economic challenges, cultural norms, and healthcare system limitations that collectively
discourage regular screening. To address these barriers, the study recommends focused
educational campaigns that clarify screening benefits, community advocacy to increase
awareness, improved accessibility to screening services, healthcare provider training, and
engagement with community leaders to foster supportive attitudes toward screening.
