Knowledge, attitude and practices on cervical cancer screening and prevention methods among nurses at two Nairobi hospitals in Kenya

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer among women in Kenya. Various international studies indicate that the knowledge level of cervical cancer and its predisposing and preventive measures is low among the nurses as well as general population. This study aimed to assess knowledge, practices and attitudes of nurses with regards to cervical cancer screening and preventive measures at two Nairobi hospitals in Kenya. Across-sectional quantitative descriptive study design was used. Convenience sampling method was applied and data were collected from respondents using self-administered questionnaire. About 114 nurses aged 18 years and above participated in the study. The study revealed that nurses have the information about cervical cancer, available screening tests and the purpose of screening. Nurses have the knowledge that cancer screening could detect this cancer at an early stage; however, uptake is low. Cervical screening services were hampered by barriers relating to health care institutions, nurses perception and fear of screening technique, embarrassment, stigma, social influence, financial costs and available sources of information