SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRACTICE OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN IN ANTENATAL AND POST NATAL CLINIC IN DALHATU ARAF SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cervical cancer continues to be a substantial health issue for women worldwide,with a particularly high burden in low-resource settings where access to preventive care is oftenlimited. Although screening is an effective, cost-efficient way to reduce cervical cancerincidence and improve outcomes, the rate of screening in the study area remains low. Thisresearch aimed to examine the socio-cultural factors affecting cervical cancer screeningpractices among women attending antenatal and postnatal care at Dalhatu Araf SpecialistHospital, Lafia, using the Health Belief Model. A mixed-methods approach was employed,incorporating surveys and in-depth interviews to gain a nuanced understanding of thedeterminants influencing screening behaviour. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSSversion 25.0, while qualitative responses were organised thematically. The study found that,although awareness of cervical cancer was high among respondents, numerous barriers limitedscreening uptake. Factors such as a low perceived personal risk of cervical cancer, financialconstraints, spousal approval, fear of a positive diagnosis, lack of information about availablescreening facilities, religious beliefs, discomfort with male healthcare providers, and overalllack of awareness of screening benefits all impacted women