294713
Level of knowledge towards human papillomavirus/cervical cancer & practice of papanicolaou test screening among female addis ababa university students in Ethiopia
Iman Abdulkadir, MPHc,
Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA
Vicki Ebin, PhD, MSPH,
Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA
Fikre Enquselassie, PhD,
School of Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Sloane Burke, PhD,
Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA
Introduction: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Ethiopian women. There is a lack of data on knowledge about Human Papillomavirus (HPV)/cervical cancer and Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening in Ethiopia. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge toward HPV/cervical cancer, practice of Pap test and their association among female students at the Addis Ababa University (AAU), Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2012-February 2013 at the AAU. Data were collected from a representative sample of 406 participants using self-administered questionnaires. SPSS software, version 18 was employed for data entry and analysis. Results: Among the respondents (392, mean age 23.28 years) most were single (84.2%) and undergraduates (83.6%). About two-third (66.8%) have never heard of HPV and only 46.5% have heard about cervical cancer. More than half did not know the risk factors of HPV infection, its mode of transmission or its long-term effect. Only 5.2% had Pap test done of whom 93.7% did not have a friend, a partner or a family member to accompany them. Most (73.8%) do not discuss cervical cancer/ Pap test with their family. There are significant associations between knowledge about HPV infection/cervical cancer, social support or personal beliefs and the responses to the need for Pap test or use of condoms. Conclusion: Level of knowledge towards HPV/cervical cancer is low among AAU female students. This study provides insight to help design public health policies and education that address HPV/cervical cancer and the practice of Pap tests in Ethiopia.
Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Describe the level of knowledge of AAU female students toward HPV/cervical cancer.
Discuss the association between level of knowledge towards HPV/cervical cancer and practice of Pap test among AAU female students.
List at least three risk factors for HPV infection and cervical cancer.
Formulate, based on the results and conclusion of this study, a plan to decrease the health burden of cervical cancer in Ethiopia.
Keyword(s): Cervical Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a recipient of the graduate student research award for my thesis work (MPH) in Ethiopia to do public health research in global health and cultural diversity. As an intern at Keiser Permanente, I gained expertise in analyzing and evaluating health education classes; in data preparation and presentation and in teaching health education classes to patients. I have experience in health advocacy at the American Cancer Society for the California Cancer Research Act.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
