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Poor Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Awareness among Women and Men in the Eastern Cape Province Rural Community

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  • Zizipho Z. A. Mbulawa

    (National Health Laboratory Service, Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha 5100, South Africa
    Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa
    UCT-SAMRC Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa)

  • Lindelo L. Mahlangu

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Esihle Makhabane

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Sisanda Mavivane

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Sindisiwe Nongcula

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Anathi Phafa

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Ayabonga Sihlobo

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Mbalentle Zide

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Athenkosi Mkiva

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Thembeka N. Ngobe

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Luxolo Njenge

    (MBChB-3 2022 COBES Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

  • Phumla Kwake

    (Tabase Community Health Centre, Eastern Cape Department of Health, Mthatha 5108, South Africa)

  • Charles B. Businge

    (UCT-SAMRC Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha 5100, South Africa
    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5100, South Africa)

Abstract

Cervical cancer knowledge and awareness is low among South Africans despite high cervical cancer prevalence. This study aimed to investigate knowledge about the symptoms, signs, risk factors, and methods of prevention of cervical cancer among women and men in the rural Eastern Cape province, South Africa. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the rural community of the OR Tambo municipality in the Eastern Cape province. 252 women and men aged ≥ 25 years were randomly recruited. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. A knowledge score was categorized as “good” if it was ≥65%. The majority of participants (69.8%) were women. Only a proportion of 25.6% (51/199) of the participants had good overall knowledge about cervical cancer, and the majority of these (84.3%) were women. Women previously screened for cervical cancer had a significantly higher median cervical knowledge score than those who had never been screened ( p = 0.002). Only among women, good knowledge about cervical cancer was associated with a tertiary education level (OR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.08–9.57, p = 0.044) and high household income (OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.24–9.75, p = 0.027). Both women and men in rural Eastern Cape had limited knowledge about the risk factors and prevention methods of cervical cancer. Public health strategies to improve knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among both men and women are necessary.

Suggested Citation

  • Zizipho Z. A. Mbulawa & Lindelo L. Mahlangu & Esihle Makhabane & Sisanda Mavivane & Sindisiwe Nongcula & Anathi Phafa & Ayabonga Sihlobo & Mbalentle Zide & Athenkosi Mkiva & Thembeka N. Ngobe & Luxolo, 2023. "Poor Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Awareness among Women and Men in the Eastern Cape Province Rural Community," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(20), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:20:p:6916-:d:1259137
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Petmore Zibako & Mbuzeleni Hlongwa & Nomsa Tsikai & Sarah Manyame & Themba G. Ginindza, 2022. "Mapping Evidence on Management of Cervical Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Tongtong Liu & Shunping Li & Julie Ratcliffe & Gang Chen, 2017. "Assessing Knowledge and Attitudes towards Cervical Cancer Screening among Rural Women in Eastern China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-10, August.
    3. Teboho Amelia Tiiti & Johannes Bogers & Ramokone Lisbeth Lebelo, 2022. "Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer among Women Attending Gynecology Clinics in Pretoria, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-12, April.
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