Knowledge and Utilization of Cervical Screening among Female Health Workers in Jos University Teaching Hospital and the role of the Gynaecologist in screening

Abstract

Background: Cervical carcinoma is a preventable women killer disease and the knowledge and utilization of cervical screening is very important in its prevention. Aims: The aim is to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of JUTH female health workers to cervical screening, as well as the role of the gynaecologist in referral for screening tests. Study design and Methods : A cross-sectional study of the female health workers in JUTH was carried out using a stratified sampling technique and the same proportion of the various cadres were sampled using a structured questionnaire, and the results were analysed. Results: A total of 200 women were recruited, and 93.5% said they knew about Pap smear but only 56.5% knew what it was actually meant for and 19% of the study had done Pap smear in the past. There was no reason given in 59% of the subjects for not carrying out a Pap smear, while 19.5% gave non physician referral as reason. Among the 38 women who had had a Pap smear, 36.8% had done it more than 2 years previously. A total of 104 women visited gynaecologists at various times, but only 15.4% were asked to have a Pap smear. Conclusion: The knowledge and utilization of Pap smear is poor and the gynaecologists have many missed opportunities for Opportunistic Pap smear. Keywords: Female health worker, gynaecologist, Pap smear, cervical screening.