Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of women regarding cervical cancer screening in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape
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Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Fort Hare
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Cervical cancer screening has been widely recommended as a preventive intervention. Several factors contribute to the rising mortality rate, including limited knowledge of available screening services, negative attitudes toward these services and behavioural barriers to accessing them.
A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the knowledge of women, determine their attitudes towards screening for cervical cancer, and describe their behaviour regarding cervical cancer screening in Buffalo City Municipality. The study was conducted in four clinics in Buffalo City Municipality which were located at a proximity of 5km radius from each other in two different types of settings, semi-urban and urban.
The non-probability convenience sampling method was employed, with a sample size of 424 women. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data, and a pilot study with 44 participants was conducted to test the questionnaire's validity and reliability. Anonymity, informed, was maintained and questionnaires had codes instead of names of the participants.
Results
The results showed that the participants had knowledge about cervical cancer and most women who participated in the study were aware of vaginal bleeding (242 (79.8%)) as a sign and symptom, unprotected sex (237 (78.2%)) was correctly identified as a mode of transmission. The performance of the screening involves the insertion of instruments (203 (67.0%)) and vaginal brush (163 (53.8%)). Participants expressed that their knowledge was from healthcare workers (134 (44.2%)), which suggests that healthcare workers have the most significant contribution to the source of information. Even though they knew about the cervical cancer screening but few did not do the cervical cancer screening due to fear of the procedure (218 (71.9%)), whereas, (101 (33.3)) showed no reason for not doing the screening and the participants were aware that cervical cancer screening is free in public healthcare settings (128 (42.2)). 167(55.1%)) confirmed to have spoken to someone who had screening done before but only (166(54.8%)) had ever thought of screening. (146(48.2%)) confirmed that they would prefer to be done the cervical cancer screening by a doctor than a nurse 89(29.4%).
It is recommended that the marketing strategies that are already in place should be strengthened for the participants to have correct information about cervical cancer screening. Mass media, posters, pamphlets and information on cervical cancer survivors would be inspirational to other women
Description
Master of Nursing (Medical Surgical Nursing) dissertation
Keywords
Attitude (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Citation
Mayeza, T. (2025) Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of women regarding cervical cancer screening in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape. Master of Nursing (Medical Surgical Nursing) dissertation. Alice, South Africa: University of Fort Hare.