Cervical Cancer Knowledge among Female Undergraduate Students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

The study examined cervical cancer screening knowledge among female undergraduate students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Three research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The cross-sectional survey research design was used for the study. The study population consisted of 22,487 female undergraduate students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) campus. The sample size was 400 female undergraduates drawn using multi-stage sampling procedure. A self-reported cervical cancer-related questionnaire (CCRK) was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to establish the internal consistency reliability of the instrument, which yielded an index of .748. The descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage were used to analyze and answer the research questions, while inferential statistics of; chi-square was used to test the null hypothesis at .05 alpha level.  Results revealed that undergraduates of UNN campus had high knowledge of cervical cancer screening. Age was not significantly associated with the level of knowledge of cervical cancer among undergraduates. However, it is important to strengthen health education programmes in schools and enhance health education programmes within educational institutions to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information about cervical cancer. This information should consistently be provided to students as it will encourage open discussions with undergraduates and also create an environment that fosters open discussions about cervical cancer, reducing any potential stigma or fear associated with the topic. The school authorities should partner with healthcare professionals and organizations to provide guest lectures, workshops, and seminars on cervical cancer and prevention.