Assessment of Awareness and Screening Practices for Cervical Cancer Among Women in Kogi State

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Nigerian women, yet screening coverage remains critically low due to knowledge gaps, cultural barriers, and limited healthcare infrastructure in North Central communities. This study assessed awareness of cervical cancer and uptake of screening services among women in Lokoja LGA, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 women aged 25 to 60 years attending four primary healthcare centres, recruited consecutively. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors, symptoms, and prevention, as well as prior Pap smear or VIA screening history and barriers to screening uptake. Results showed that 68.6 percent of respondents had heard of cervical cancer, but comprehensive knowledge of risk factors and symptoms was adequate in only 42.5 percent. Prior cervical cancer screening was reported by only 18.9 percent. Major barriers to screening included lack of awareness that screening was available (61.8 percent), fear of positive results (54.3 percent), cost (48.2 percent), partner disapproval (37.5 percent), and distance to screening facilities (33.9 percent). Healthcare provider recommendation was cited by 78.3 percent of women who had been screened as the primary motivating factor. Educational attainment and healthcare provider recommendation were significant predictors of screening uptake (p < 0.001). The study recommends healthcare worker-driven opportunistic cervical cancer screening at all PHC contacts and community-based VIA screening outreach in Kogi State. Keywords: cervical cancer screening, awareness, women, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria