Knowledge, attitudes and barriers of cervical cancer screening among women in Chegutu rural district of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among females in Zimbabwe, yet the screening rate remains low. Building on the knowledge, attitude and practice model, this study investigated the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, risk factors, benefits of early diagnosis and treatment, availability of health services and prevention methods. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 156 women aged 15–50 years in Chegutu district. About 5.8% of women had undergone screening and (41%) had poor knowledge regarding risk factors, groups, symptoms and prevention. Over 66% of women knew how the disease was transmitted and which women are at risk. Women, in particular, the less educated and non-Christians had low level of knowledge on cervical cancer and its symptoms and signs. The major barriers of cervical cancer screening were the unavailability of screening services at local health institution (84%), long distances to such facilities (86.5%) and religious prohibition (39.7%). Among women, 42.9% reported that they prefer health workers to deliver cervical cancer education rather than over-reliance on family and friends. The public and private sectors and civil society should thus concentrate on developing policies on health education and promotion, particularly targeting preventable health conditions, namely cervical cancer and strategies to prevent transmission of the human papillomavirus.