Knowledge and Perception Towards Cervical Cancer among Female Debre Berhan University Students

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a global public health problem with around five hundred thirty thousand new cases<br />and two hundred sixty five thousand deaths annually in 2015. Risky behaviors, lack of knowledge and preventative<br />measures in young women, increase the risks of cervical cancer later in life. Up to date, there is scarcity of study on<br />level of knowledge and perception towards cervical cancer among young women in Ethiopia. So, this study was aimed to<br />determine the level of knowledge and perception toward cervical cancer among female regular undergraduate Debre<br />Berhan University students. Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered<br />questionnaire among female regular DBU students from May to June, 2015. Two stage cluster sampling technique was<br />used for the study. Data was entered and cleaned in Epi info and imported to SPSS for analysis. Binary logistic regression<br />was carried out to determine factors of good knowledge on cervical cancer. P-value less than 0.05 was considered for<br />statistical significance. Results: Eighty-four (14.5%) of the study participants were sexually active. Of the participants,<br />232(40.5%) had heard of cervical cancer but only 195 (35.6%) had good knowledge towards cervical cancer and of<br />the study participants, only 185 (33.2%) perceived as they are susceptible for cervical cancer. Using radio and TV as<br />source of information [AOR= 1.918 (95% CI: 1.223, 3.010)], having information about sexually transmitted infections<br />(STI) [AOR =3.030 (95% CI: 1.665, 5.514)] were significantly and independently associated with good knowledge on<br />cervical cancer. Conclusions: The level of knowledge towards cervical cancer and perception of acquiring the disease<br />was poor. Health education interventions are needed to improve the awareness and health seeking behavior in youth<br />women thereby preventing cervical cancer related morbidity and mortality.