Knowledge and Attitude of Cervical Cancer Screening among Female Sex Workers Living with HIV in Benue State, Nigeria
Owoicho Grace Ochanya *
Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Chikaodili N. Ihudiebube-Splendor
Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern, particularly among women living with HIV, who are at increased risk of persistent human papillomavirus infection and rapid disease progression. Female sex workers living with HIV represent a highly vulnerable group; however, evidence on their knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of cervical cancer screening in Benue State remains limited.
Aim: This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, uptake, and barriers to cervical cancer screening among this population.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. A total of 440 female sex workers living with HIV were recruited from selected HIV care facilities in Benue State using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) at a 5% significance level to determine associations between socio-demographic variables, knowledge, attitudes, and screening uptake.
Results: The findings revealed moderately high knowledge, with 43.1% demonstrating good knowledge, 35.1% demonstrating moderate knowledge, and 21.8% demonstrating poor knowledge. Attitudes towards screening were generally positive, as over 70% acknowledged its importance and expressed willingness to recommend it. However, uptake was suboptimal; only 48.3% reported sometimes or always undergoing screening, and 54.9% had missed scheduled appointments. Significant associations were found between screening uptake and age, educational status, income level, knowledge level, and attitude (p < 0.05). Major barriers included inadequate information (64.5%), fear of positive results (61.1%), fear of pain (57.3%), embarrassment (56.4%), and HIV-related stigma (54.0%).
Conclusion: Despite moderately high knowledge and positive attitudes, cervical cancer screening uptake among female sex workers living with HIV in Benue State remains low due to psychological, informational, and socio-demographic barriers.
Recommendation: Integration of routine cervical cancer screening into HIV care services, with strengthened counselling and targeted health education, is recommended to improve uptake.
Keywords: Cervical cancer screening, female sex workers, HIV, Benue State, human papillomavirus, screening uptake, knowledge, attitude, preventive health behaviour, HIV care services