Title: Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques des femmes en âge de procréer du District de Santé de la Mifi sur la prévention du cancer du col de l’utérus, Cameroun

Abstract:

This study aims to describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of women of childbearing age with regards to cervical cancer preventive measures. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study among women of childbearing age. Data were collected using a face to face questionnaire and were analyzed using Epi Info 7.1.3.3 software calculating a confidence interval of 95%. Results: Our study highligts that 78.11%(464/594) of women were aware of the existence of cervical cancer. However 58.59% and 60.27% of women were not aware of any risk factor and preventive measure respectively. Only 7% of these women were aware of the existence of vaccine. With regard to their attitude, 31.31% (186/594) of women had already wished for information on cervical cancer preventive measures, 26.94% (160/594) had taken the initiative to undergo screening test and only 7.41% (44/594) had undergone screening test. Difficulty most commonly mentioned was the lack of information (69.82%) while the most commonly cited awareness-raising tools were the media (75.9%). Conclusion: Despite the good knowledge on the existence of cervical cancer, the level of information about risk factors and preventive measures remains weak. Awareness program should be focused on risk factors, preventive measures and on the implementation of screening campaigns. These informations can be used to improve planning approach to prevention.