Impact of nursing educational intervention on pap smear knowledge and screening uptake among women in cross river state, Nigeria

Background

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of preventable deaths among Nigerian women, largely due to poor awareness and low Pap smear uptake. Empowering nurses to deliver focused educational interventions may bridge this gap. This study assessed the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational intervention in improving knowledge of cervical cancer and promoting Pap smear screening among women in Cross River State, Nigeria.

Materials And Methods

A single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial using a pre-test/post-test non-equivalent control design was conducted among 306 women selected through multistage sampling. Participants were assigned to intervention (n = 153) and control (n = 153) groups. Data were obtained using a validated, researcher-developed questionnaire administered face-to-face at baseline and post-intervention. The intervention group received structured, nurse-led education on cervical cancer and the Pap smear test, while the control group received no exposure during the study period.

Results

Baseline findings showed poor knowledge of cervical cancer and Pap smear screening in both groups (85.6 vs. 86.9%). Post-intervention, good knowledge increased to 43.8% in the intervention group compared to 14.4% in controls. Pap smear uptake rose from 4.6 to 47.1% in the intervention group but remained static at 7.2% among controls.

Conclusion

The nurse-led educational intervention produced a marked improvement in both knowledge and screening behavior. Nurses, as frontline health educators, are pivotal in driving community-level awareness and screening uptake, aligning with the global pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 3.