Attitude to cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus testing experience in self-sampled Nigerian women

Background: Cervical cancer is a disease of major public health significance which can be prevented by adequate screening. Objective: This study assessed the level of cervical cancer knowledge, attitude to screening and human papillomavirus testingexperience in women who self-sampled for cervical cancer screening. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 790 women that had human papilloma virus (HPV) testing at the gynae-oncology unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Participants were assessed of their cervical cancer screeningknowledge, attitude and HPV testing experience. High risk HPV (hr-HPV) nucleic acid testing was funded by the Clinton HealthAccess Initiative. Results: Majority (76.71%) of the respondents exhibited a high level of knowledge of cervical cancer, its causes, risk factors andprevention; and a positive experience with HPV self-sampling reported in 98.1%. hr-HPV positive rate was 13.4%. The mostcommon reason (43%) for not having a cervical screening done was lack of a doctor’s request. The most commonly knownmethod of cervical screening by the respondents was Pap Smear test (55.31%). Conclusion: There is need for more education to improve the level of awareness and uptake of hr-HPV testing for cervicalcancer in Lagos. Health care providers are not offering cervical cancer screening enough and this needs to be explored more infuture studies.