Knowledge And Risk Factors For Cervical Cancer In Doukoula, Extreme North Of Cameroon

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a public health problem worldwide as well as in Cameroon. 85% of new cases occur in
developing countries in general and in Africa south of the Sahara in particular.
Aim: The objective of this study was to find factors that affect knowledge about CC and CC risk factors in the
Kar-Hai sub-division and Doukoula in particular.
Study Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Doukoula from the 3rd of
November 2021 to the 9th of November 2021.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in Doukoula. Data were collected through a
structured, self-administered questionnaire from 250 conveniently selected women. The collected data was
analyzed with the CDC Epi Info version 7.2.5.0 in descriptive statistics, binary, and multivariate logistic
regression to identify factors associated with knowledge of cervical cancer.
Results: The complete response rate was 81.7% (250/306). To assess their knowledge of CC, six questions
extracted from our questionnaire were administered to the participants. The six questions combined were
graded on a five-point Likert scale. Modified Bloom’s cut-off points were used to rate knowledge of cervical
cancer as very poor (< 20%), poor (≥ 20 but < 40%), moderate (≥ 40% but < 60%), good (≥ 60% but < 80%),
or very good (≥ 80%), and later as poor (< 60%) or good (≥ 60%). This study determined the good status of
cervical cancer among respondents to be 9.2%. Knowledge about CC is modulated by the level of education,
occupation, and the young age of women. Risk factors, although universal, seem to vary according to the
geographical area and the socio-cultural environment where one lives. Some risk factors identified are early
onset of sexual intercourse, polygamous marriages, multiple sexual partners, the sexual behavior of the male
partner, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), human deficiency virus
(HIV), and history of genital warts. The study revealed that 90.8% of the participants had poor knowledge of
CC.
Conclusion: The majority of the study participants had no knowledge of CC. Many of the studied participants
had never been screened, treated, or taken the HPV vaccine. Knowledge about CC is modulated by the level
of education, occupation, and young age of women.