Poor Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Awareness among Women and Men in the Eastern Cape Province Rural Community

Bibliographic Data

ID15495494
AuthorsZizipho Z A Mbulawa (0000-0001-9073-4777, National Health Laboratory Service, corresponding author), Lindelo L Mahlangu (Walter Sisulu University), Esihle Makhabane (Walter Sisulu University), Sisanda Mavivane (Walter Sisulu University), Sindisiwe Nongcula (Walter Sisulu University), Anathi Phafa (Walter Sisulu University), Ayabonga Sihlobo (Walter Sisulu University), Mbalentle Zide (Walter Sisulu University), Athenkosi Mkiva (Walter Sisulu University), Thembeka N Ngobe (Walter Sisulu University), Luxolo Njenge (Walter Sisulu University), Phumla Kwake (Western Cape Department of Health), Charles Bitamazire Businge (0000-0002-8393-1198, South African Medical Research Council)
Year2023
Volume20
Issue20
Pages6916-6916
Publication date2023-10-13
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph20206916
PMID37887654
OpenAlexW4387618223
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited31

Cervical cancer knowledge and awareness is low among South Africans despite high cervical cancer prevalence. This study aimed to investigate knowledge about the symptoms, signs, risk factors, and methods of prevention of cervical cancer among women and men in the rural Eastern Cape province, South Africa. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the rural community of the OR Tambo municipality in the Eastern Cape province. 252 women and men aged ≥ 25 years were randomly recruited. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. A knowledge score was categorized as "good" if it was ≥65%. The majority of participants (69.8%) were women. Only a proportion of 25.6% (51/199) of the participants had good overall knowledge about cervical cancer, and the majority of these (84.3%) were women. Women previously screened for cervical cancer had a significantly higher median cervical knowledge score than those who had never been screened ( p = 0.002). Only among women, good knowledge about cervical cancer was associated with a tertiary education level (OR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.08-9.57, p = 0.044) and high household income (OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.24-9.75, p = 0.027). Both women and men in rural Eastern Cape had limited knowledge about the risk factors and prevention methods of cervical cancer. Public health strategies to improve knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among both men and women are necessary

Cancer · Cape · Cervical cancer · Cross-sectional study · Environmental health · Family medicine · Geography · Gynecology · Rural area · Cancer Risks and Factors · Cervical Cancer and HPV Research · Demography · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Medicine · Internal Medicine

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