Cervical Cancer Screening Among Female Staff of Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Nigeria: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and LiquidBased Cytology Findings
Keywords:
Attitude, Cervical Cancer, HPV vaccination, Knowledge, Pap Smear, Practice, Screening, CytologyAbstract
Background: Cervical cancer remains a significant global public health challenge especially for developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, practices regarding cervical cancer and cytological findings following screening among female staff of a University in Benue State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study amongst 200 female staff of Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi between February to August 2026. Results: The study revealed that 77.0% of the respondents were aware of cervical cancer. Almost one third (31.8%) of them were informed by family/friends. Less than one quarter (23.0%) had ever screened. Reasons for not screening in the past included; lack of awareness (26.0%), no symptoms (16.2%), lack of access to screening facility (14.3%), fear of a positive results (12.3%) and cost (3.9%). However, after health education, majority (96.5%) would accept screening in the future. Most (78.5%) of them agreed that the screening should be made compulsory, while 93.5% would recommend the screening to other women. About half (53.5%) agreed that cervical cancer is preventable and 73.5% had agreed with HPV vaccination. The results of the screening with Liquid based Cytology testing showed that majority (83.5%) were negative, LSIL (8.5%), HSIL (0.5%), ASCUS (6.5%), and ASC-H (1.0%). Academic staff and higher education were significantly related with higher awareness and acceptability of HPV vaccination (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study demonstrated a substantial disparity between awareness and actual cervical cancer screening practices. Although, awareness was high, in-depth knowledge of its causes and risk factors was poor. The participants were willing to undergo screening and to recommend it to others and accept HPV vaccination. The findings of pre-malignant lesions on liquidbased cytology supported the establishment and continuation of accessible, institution-based cervical cancer education and screening programmes.
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