Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer and screening among Ethiopian health care workers

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Catherine M Kress, Emory University; Lisa Sharling, Emory University; Ashli Owen-Smith, Emory University; Dawit Desalegn, Addis Ababa University School of Medicine; Henry Blumberg, Emory University; Jennifer Goedken, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2015-07
• Publisher: Dove Medical Press
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2015 Kress et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S85138
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: International Journal of Women's Health
• ISSN: 1179-1411
• Start Page: 765
• End Page: 765
• Grant/Funding Information: NIH/FIC (Emory-Ethiopia Global Interdisciplinary Partnership; Center for Global Cancer Treatment and Prevention.; 1 R24 TW008825-01), the Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI)-Ethiopia (T84HA21124),; Emory Global Health Institute and the Emory University Woodruff Health Sciences Center
• Keywords: visual inspection; acetic acid; cervical cancer; cryotherapy; Ethiopia
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

Background Though cervical cancer incidence has dramatically decreased in resource rich regions due to the implementation of universal screening programs, it remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide and has one of the highest mortality rates. The vast majority of cervical cancer-related deaths are among women that have never been screened. Prior to implementation of a screening program in Addis Ababa University-affiliated hospitals in Ethiopia, a survey was conducted to assess knowledge of cervical cancer etiology, risk factors, and screening, as well as attitudes and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among women’s health care providers. Methods Between February and March 2012 an anonymous, self-administered survey to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer and its prevention was distributed to 334 health care providers at three government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and three Family Guidance Association clinics in Awassa, Adama, and Bahir Dar. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and chi-square test was used to test differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices across provider type. Results Overall knowledge surrounding cervical cancer was high, although awareness of etiology and risk factors was low among nurses and midwives. Providers had no experience performing cervical cancer screening on a routine basis with <40% having performed any type of cervical cancer screening. Reported barriers to performing screening were lack of training (52%) and resources (53%); however the majority (97%) of providers indicated cervical cancer screening is an essential part of women’s health care. Conclusion There is a clear need among women’s health care providers for education regarding cervical cancer etiology, risk factors and for training in low-tech, low-cost screening methods. Meeting these needs and improving the infrastructure necessary to implement appropriate screening programs is essential to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Ethiopia.