Knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning cervical cancer screening among female university students in Nigeria: A systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern, and understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer screening among female university students is crucial for effective prevention and control efforts. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning cervical cancer screening among female university students in Educational Institutions in Nigeria.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and African Journals Online (AJOL) to identify relevant studies. The search yielded a total of 1,182 studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight studies involving a total of 3,300 female students met the final criteria for synthesis. The critical appraisal skilled Appraisal [CASP] checklist was used for quality assessment, and a narrative synthesis approach was adopted for data analysis and synthesis.

Results: The study identified knowledge deficiencies pertaining to cervical cancer and screening techniques among female university students in Nigeria. Cultural beliefs, fears, and perceived barriers exerted an influence on individuals' attitudes towards screening. The prevalence of screening was observed to be low within the examined population. Several barriers were identified, including a lack of awareness, financial constraints, and limited access to screening services. The facilitators encompassed various components, namely social support, recommendations from healthcare providers, and educational campaigns.

Conclusion: This systematic review highlighted the necessity of implementing focused educational interventions aimed at enhancing knowledge, fostering positive attitudes, and improving screening practices among female university students in Nigeria. There is a need for the implementation of strategies aimed at overcoming barriers, enhancing accessibility to screening services, and fortifying the healthcare infrastructure. The results underscore the significance of policy assistance, continuous monitoring, and evaluation in effectively tackling cervical cancer screening within this demographic.