Effect of sensitization on attitude towards cervical cancer screening among of female health workers in the two tertiary health institution in Bayelsa
- Obstetrics & Gynecology International Journal
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Maureen Dike Frank,1 Isabu Chikaodili Augustina,2 Paulina Ackley Akpan-Idiok,3 Patricia Atagwung Simon-Uriah,1 Sorbariko Benard,4 Juliana Chika Okoro5
Abstract
Cervical cancer affects cells of the cervix, it is caused by types 16, 18 and 45 strains of Human Papilloma Virus. Documented evidence has shown that it is treatable if early diagnosis is made through screening and preventable if vaccination is given at the appropriate time. Female health workers occupy key position in influencing positive health behaviour among female population in issues affecting health including cervical cancer screening. Their positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening is expected to motivate women thereby causing a reduction in high incidence, morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer disease. The aim of the study was to assess effect of sensitization on attitude of participants towards cervical cancer screening. Two tertiary health institutions in Bayelsa state were purposively selected, (Niger Delta Teaching Hospital, Okolobri –intervention group and Federal Medical Centre, Yenegoa – comparison group). Study adopted quasi-experimental research design, proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 140 participants. Adapted validated questionnaire titled ‘attitude scale for cancer screening by Yildrim was the instrument used for data collecton. Face and content validity of the instrument were ascertained, while reliability indices were established using test-retest approach. Score of 0.75 was obtained using Spearman Brown Statistical Formulary. Pre-test and post-test were administered to both groups while only intervention group was exposed to sensitization intervention package. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for social Sciences version 20.0 and inferential statistics of Analysis of Covariance. Findings showed that sensitization intervention had positive effect on attitude of participants towards cervical cancer screening with an attitudinal mean change of -0.07, SD= 0.47(comparison group), and 0.31, SD=0.53 (intervention group). Profession had no significant influence on attitude of participants towards cervical cancer screening, (p>0.05). Study concludes that sensitization intervention had positive effect on attitude towards cervical cancer screening among participants while profession had no influence on their attitude. Thus, study recommends the adoption of this simple, effective and sustainable sensitization intervention package to health care policy makers and workforce in general.
Keywords
cervical cancer, female health, human papilloma virus, morbidity and mortality