Assessment of the Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Services Among Female Traders in Wuse Market, AMAC, FCT-Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This study assessed the uptake of cervical cancer screening (CCS) services among female traders in Wuse Market, AMAC, FCT, Nigeria. The study aimed to examine the level of awareness, attitudes, and barriers affecting participation in cervical cancer screening among this population.

Methodology: A total of 400 female traders participated in the study. Data were collected to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and barriers toward cervical cancer screening, including personal, financial, accessibility, and health system–related factors.

Results: The findings revealed that only 12.0% of respondents had knowledge of cervical cancer, while a large majority, 88.0%, had no prior knowledge, indicating a significant gap in awareness and understanding of cervical cancer prevention. On personal and perceived barriers, 11.0% of respondents admitted feeling too embarrassed to undergo screening, while 88.5% stated they had never felt embarrassed. Additionally, 30.25% expressed fear that screening might reveal a positive cancer diagnosis, whereas 69.75% were not afraid of the possible results. Regarding financial and accessibility barriers, 56.0% of respondents considered the screening cost too expensive, while 44.0% disagreed. Also, 41.25% stated that their business activities limited their ability to create time for screening, while 48.5% reported that screening centres were too far from their places of residence or business. In terms of health system and service delivery barriers, 12.75% had experienced unfriendly treatment from health workers, and 21.75% believed that facilities lacked proper equipment or trained personnel for screening. When asked about preferred sources of information, 48.0% preferred community health talks, followed by 15.25% who preferred social media, and 14.5% who preferred radio or television programs. As for factors that could encourage screening, 58.75% called for more awareness campaigns, 41.25% preferred reduced or free screening costs, and 41.0% recommended mobile screening units at markets.

Conclusion: The study concluded that inadequate awareness, cost concerns, limited accessibility, and health system challenges significantly affect the uptake of cervical cancer screening among female traders in Wuse Market, AMAC, FCT, Nigeria.