CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS, RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION PRACTICES AMONG FEMALE HEALTHCARE EMPLOYEES IN A NIGERIAN TERTIARY HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for approximately 177,000 cases and 77,000 deaths annually in Africa alone. In Nigeria, an estimated 12,075 women are diagnosed and 7,968 die from cervical cancer each year. Despite the availability of effective preventive interventions, awareness and uptake of screening and vaccination remain persistently low, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Objective: This study evaluated the level of cervical cancer awareness, identified perceived risk factors, assessed supportive attitudes and determined the knowledge and utilization of prevention methods among female employees at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital (FUHSTHO), Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 244 female employees selected through convenience sampling from clinical, administrative, operational, support and other departments. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.81) and analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages. Results: Of 244 questionnaires administered, 237 were returned (response rate 97.1%). Overall awareness was moderate: 75% recognized cervical cancer as a leading cause of female morbidity and mortality, yet 58% were unaware of its local prevalence and 70% did not perceive its severity as personally relevant. Persistent HPV infection (86%) and lack of screening (85%) were the most frequently identified risk factors. While 90% endorsed medical support and 82% favoured lifestyle modification as preventive strategies, only 4% had ever received the HPV vaccine and 4% had undergone cervical cancer screening. The institution lacked a documented routine cervical cancer prevention programme, as reported by 72% of respondents. Conclusion: A significant knowledge-to-action gap exists: despite moderate general awareness, preventive health-seeking behaviours including vaccination and screening are markedly deficient even among healthcare workers. Institutionalizing routine cervical cancer education, screening programmes, and workplace health policies is urgently needed.