Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Risk Factors Among Refugee Women in Oru Camp

Abstract

Cervical cancer, although largely preventable, remains a leading cause of cancer death in the developing world. The pivotal role that refugees play within any host community concerning the distribution and determinants of morbidity and mortality make it important to ensure that programmes designed to reduce the incidence of preventable conditions are acceptable and accessible to this population sub-group. The study was aimed at finding out the level of awareness of women in a refugee camp about cervical cancer


A 20-item questionnaire was administered to a total of 170 female residents of the camp aged 18 years and older who met the inclusion criteria. Unsurprisingly, 46% had experienced first intercourse by 16 years, rising to 94% by the age of 20. Less than 20% knew that cervical cancer could be detected early and 6.8% had had Pap smears done. Knowledge of risk factors, signs and symptoms was low, although there was a statistically significant relationship between the educational level of the women and risk factors for cervical cancer. The paper discusses the benefits of increasing awareness about cervical cancer.


Key Words: cervical cancer screening; refugee women; risk factors


Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol.46(4) 2004: 67-70