Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness among Female Head Porters (Kayayei) in Agbogbloshie, Accra

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer affects the cervix of women. It is the second most common cancer in women worldwide (WHO, 2012). Cervical cancer is often caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and is sexually transmitted. The general risk factors for cervical cancer include early age of first intercourse, multiple sexual partners, high parity, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), cigarette smoking and immuno-suppression. This disease can be prevented and often cured if early interventions are made available to those who are at risk of developing the cancer. The preventive strategies of reducing cervical cancer incidence should focus on preventing risk factors because the condition takes about 10 to 15 years to develop from the precancerous stage to a cancer. With early detection by screening, it can be prevented. The screening methods include Papanicolaou (Pap) Testing for all age groups or Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) for ages 18-45 years. This study therefore, sought to determine the knowledge index of the head porters (Kayayei) in Agbogbloshie because cervical cancer research has not covered such a vulnerable group. Objectives: To determine; the level of cervical cancer screening awareness among the female head porters (Kayayei), their attitude towards cervical cancer screening services and explore their readiness to undertake cervical cancer screening in the next one year as well as assess the sexual behavior of the group. Methodology: A cross sectional design with quantitative and qualitative research methods was used. The area of the study was Agbogbloshie in the Greater Accra Region. 396 respondents were involved. For the quantitative section of the study, data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. A chi-squared test for independence was carried out to establish the relationship between awareness of cervical cancer screening and respondents’ socio-demographical characteristics. The same test was carried out on readiness to screen in the next one year and the demographic characteristics of respondents. Qualitative analysis was also done for the responses obtained from one Focus Group Discussion formed. The data collected was coded and analyzed thematically. Results: Awareness on cervical cancer was satisfactory with 59.9% of total respondents affirming awareness of the disease and 80.2% of the total respondents are aware of cervical cancer screening. The study also, found those with lack of interest towards cervical screening to be 7.8% of the 59.9% of total respondents. Again, their sexual behavior suggested that they are less prone to HPV infection. Finally, respondents showed readiness to screening in the next one year and a definate association was found Between willingness to screen and their demographic characteristics. Most (63.8%) were aware and willing to screen in the next one year. Conclusion: The study showed that more of the respondents were aware of cervical cancer and ready to undergo screening although they were not ready to screen in the past. Finally, the head porters are now aware of the disease and had taken its implications seriously. The study therefore recommended that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with other donor agencies should work to intensify efforts in ensuring awareness and accessibility of cervical cancer screening to women by women in service provision. Keywords: Cervical cancer awareness, vulnerable, Accra, “Kayaye”, cervical cancer screening.