Factors Affecting Pap Smear Screening Among Women of Reproductive Age in Owerri West LGA, Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeria
Vol. 67 No. 1 (2026), Non Comunicable Diseases
Vol. 67 No. 1 (2026)

Factors Affecting Pap Smear Screening Among Women of Reproductive Age in Owerri West LGA, Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeria

Non Comunicable Diseases
https://doi.org/10.82082/2421-4248/jpmh2026.67.1.3704
Published 2026-05-15
Ugonma Winnie Dozie
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Nduka Favour Chisom
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Maureen Amaoge Nwokorie
Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
Kelechukwu Celestine Nosike Dozie
Department of Statistics, Imo State University, Owerri, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Chidozie Joakin Nwaokoro
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Uchechukwu M. Chukwuocha
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Uzochukwu Godswill Ekeleme
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Chimezie Christian Iwuala
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Christopher Chike Okereke
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Iheoma Mariagorathy Diala
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Clara Ogechi Raphael
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
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Keywords

Cervical cancer
HPV vaccine
Cervical cancer; HPV vaccine; Pap Smear; Screening uptake
Screening uptake

Abstract

Introduction. Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue and is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women globally. Its burden extends beyond individual health, affecting families, communities, and social systems. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing Pap smear testing among women of reproductive age in Owerri West, Imo State.

Methods. This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design using 399 respondents selected through a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with results presented in frequencies and percentages.

Results. Most respondents were married (51.6%), aged 20-29 years (42.9%), predominantly traders (34.6%) and civil servants (34.9%), of Igbo ethnicity (78.0%), and had tertiary education (48.4%). While 44.8% had heard of cervical cancer, they were not familiar with its details. About 59.0% had heard of Pap smear testing, with nearly half (49.3%) receiving the information from healthcare professionals. Despite a relatively high level of awareness, 61.8% had never undergone a Pap smear. Respondents identified several barriers to Pap smear testing, including the belief that the procedure is expensive or embarrassing. Some also associated undergoing the test before sexual activity with a loss of virginity, while others cited the distant location of screening centres as a significant challenge.

Conclusion. There is a critical need for increased medical education and public sensitization on cervical cancer and the importance of routine screening to improve uptake and early detection

https://doi.org/10.82082/2421-4248/jpmh2026.67.1.3704
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