Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access

Awareness and response to screening based on economic status of women in an urban slum in Nigeria.

Joint event on 17^th International Conference on Gynecology, Obstetrics and Womens Health & 8^th International Conference on Mental Health and Psychiatry

September 20-21, 2023 Paris, France

Awele C.O

Lifetouch Africa, Lagos Nigeria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Women's Health Care

Abstract :

Women are the group directly affected by cervical cancer, but unfortunately in Nigeria, majority have not participated in cervical screening. Many women belong to the low class level as most of the women depend financially on their spouses and some petty trading businesses. This study aimed at assessing awareness and response to screening based on economic status of women in an urban slum in Nigeria. A cross sectional study was conducted involving an intervention for community women. Cervical cancer screening intervention programme was organized. Women were informed to come participate in the screening for free. About 100 women saw the need to abandon the petty trading shops to come and be screened. In the process key in-depth interview (KII) was conducted using a well structured KII guide with questions on awareness, importance, and affordability of the service. Data was analysed and presented thematically. Most women interviewed were in between the ages of 30 to 58, who are traders in the Makoko fish market. Findings reveal that almost all women do not know about cervical cancer and HPV, some attributed cervical cancer to breast cancer, and many may never go for screening if not for the screening intervention brought to them by Lifetouch Africa NGO, they felt it is needful but more acceptable to them when it is free. Conclusively, women respond better to participate in screening when it is free compared to when it is to be paid for.