An assessment on the knowledge, facilitators, and barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening among allied health science female students at the University of Namibia, Hage Geingob campus
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. In Namibia, cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer following cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess and describe knowledge, facilitators, and barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening among female allied health science students at the University of Namibia (Hage Geingob Campus). A quantitative, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted with the use of a self-administered questionnaire. A sample size of 97 female allied health science was obtained using a systematic random sampling method. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables of the study. The findings of the analysis depicted an abnormal pap smear test (OR=84.056, 95% CI: 4.316-1636.911, p=0.003), age (OR=0.625, 95% CI: 0.441-0.886, p=0.008) to be statistically significant with female students having a Pap smear test. Results from the study further revealed that 12(13%) female students have had a Pap smear test in their lifetime. The most common barriers to cervical cancer screening included no signs and symptoms of cervical cancer (33%), fear of outcome (15%) and difficulty accessing screening services (15%). Facilitators to cervical cancer screening were reported as own decision to undergo screening (39%) and upon doctors’ requests (6%).The findings of the study showed that there is a poor level of cervical cancer screening uptake among allied health science female students at the University of Namibia. It is recommended that the University of Namibia in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Social Services tailor cervical cancer screening programs to assist in educating female students about the risk factors of cervical cancer as well as the importance of cervical cancer screening uptake
Cervical cancer, Female students, Screening, Pap smear test
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