What does this research mean for the field?

Despite having good knowledge and positive attitudes toward cervical cancer screening, primary healthcare workers in Lagos State, Nigeria, exhibit poor screening practices primarily due to barriers such as lack of training, limited equipment, and inadequate laboratory support. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among primary health care workers in Lagos State.

May 1, 2026F1000Research1 citationsOpen Access

Gaps in Knowledge and Practice of Cervical Cancer Screening among Primary Health Care Workers in Lagos State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

AAAdebola A. AdejimiLagos State University ODO O DawoduLagos State University ASAdaiah P. Soibi-HarryEmory University

Key Points

Assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among primary health care workers in Lagos State.
Conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study with 209 PHC workers using multistage sampling.
Collected data through a structured questionnaire focusing on socio-demographic factors and screening-related knowledge.
Analyzed data using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
69% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of cervical cancer screening.
89% of health workers reported positive attitudes toward cervical cancer screening.
Only 25% actively provided screening services, with barriers including lack of training and equipment.

Abstract

Abstract Background Cervical cancer is a major public health concern globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to screening and early diagnostic services is limited. Healthcare workers at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level play critical roles in promoting cervical cancer prevention through health education, implementing low-cost cervical cancer screening approaches in low-resource settings, and providing referral services. However, gaps in knowledge and practice among PHC workers may hinder effective cervical cancer control programs. Objectives This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning cervical cancer screening among PHC workers in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 209 PHC workers selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of cervical cancer, attitudes toward screening, and screening practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a statistical significance level of 5%. Results The respondents had a mean age of 36.8 ± 8.8 years. Most participants were female (77.0%) and married (73.7%). Nurses represented the largest professional group (41.1%), followed by community health extension workers (30.6%). Overall, 69% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of cervical cancer screening, and 89% reported positive attitudes toward screening. However, cervical cancer screening practices were poor, as only 25% of respondents reported actively providing screening services in their facilities. Major barriers included a lack of training, limited screening equipment, and inadequate laboratory support. Significant associations were observed between levels of knowledge and professional category (p ) , and years of practice (p = 0.002 ) . Conclusion Strengthening healthcare workers’ capacity, improving infrastructure, and integrating screening into routine PHC services are essential for improving cervical cancer prevention. These findings highlight the need for policy interventions aimed at strengthening primary health care systems in Nigeria in line with global cervical cancer elimination strategies.

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