Ngoran Florence

Catholic University of Cameroon, Cameroon

Abstract Title: Uptake of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among women aged 21-65 years at the Bamenda regional hospital

Biography:

Research Interest: Cervical cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix. It is ranked the seventh most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer deaths among females in the developing countries including Cameroon. This study was to assess the uptake of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among women aged 21-65 years at the Bamenda Regional Hospital.It was a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 246 respondents. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on a face-to-face basis. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences version 21 (SPSS). Out of the 246 participants, 137 (55.7%) had done cervical cancer screening or Pap test while 109 (44.3%) had done the cervical cancer screening. Also, 150 (61.0%) were between 21-30 years. A p-value (<0.001) of age associated with cervical cancer screening indicated a significant association. The importance of cervical cancer screening cannot be overemphasised as this exercise roles out the presence of precancerous cells at the early stages of the disease and thus can prevent, reduce or delay its occurrence. Overall, majority of the participants said motivational factors like more information on cervical cancer screening and interactive attitudes of health personnel encourages them to go for screening. There is therefore a need for government agencies and other stake holders to intensify and prioritize cervical cancer screening.