Social Patterning of Cervical Cancer Awareness Among Women of Reproductive Age in Sub-Urban Okada, Edo State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, yet population awareness does not necessarily translate into specific knowledge of screening options. This paper examined the socio-demographic patterning of cervical cancer awareness among women of reproductive age in sub-urban Okada, Edo State, Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 332 women aged 15 to 49 years selected through cluster sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < .05. Most respondents had heard of cervical cancer (85.8%), while 78.0% had heard of cervical cancer screening. Recognition of specific screening methods was lower: 46.7% identified Pap smear, 15.4% HPV testing and 8.1% visual inspection with acetic acid. Health workers were the most frequently reported source of cervical cancer screening information (58.4%). Cervical cancer awareness differed significantly by age (χ² = 13.587, p = .001), sexual status (χ² = 20.509, p < .001), religion (χ² = 33.369, p < .001) and educational attainment (χ² = 78.736, p < .001). Awareness was particularly high among women with tertiary education, although some categories contained small numbers and require cautious interpretation. The findings show that general recognition of cervical cancer was widespread, but knowledge of specific screening methods was less extensive and awareness was unevenly distributed across socio-demographic groups. Cervical cancer communication strategies should therefore extend beyond disease recognition and place greater emphasis on accurate, specific and accessible information about screening methods and preventive services.