CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS AND RISK BEHAVIOUR AMONG BROTHEL-BASED FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE,NIGERIA

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide with Nigeria having an estimated incidence of 30 per 100,000 women. Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are at high risk of cervical cancer because of multiple sexual partnerships. While previous studies have focused on FSWs' awareness on HIV and contraceptive issues, little information exists on risk behaviour related to cervical cancer and towards screening. The study was designed to assess cervical cancer risk behaviours and screening among FSWs in lbadan North Local Government Area (IBNLGA), Oyo State. The study was descriptive cross-sectional in design, data were collected using a validated questionnaire and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide among FSWs in eleven brothels identified in IBNLGA. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 204 FSWs from the listed brothels. The questionnaire was used to elicit respondents' awareness and cervical cancer risk behaviours and utilisation of cancer screening facilities. Four FGDs were conducted among 24 FSWs purposively sampled from the brothels. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi square test at 0.05 level of significance while data were subjected to content analysis. Mean age of the respondents was 26.0 ± 6.6 years, 63.7% were single and 62.7% had completed secondary school education. Mean age at first sexual intercourse was 17.0 ± 3.2 years. Most respondents (71.6%) had stayed in brothels for 1 to 2 years and 79.9% had an average of 4 clients per day. Most of the respondents had never heard of cervical cancer (95.6%) or Pap smear screening (99.5%) while 93.0% desired screened. Electronic media was the respondents' main source of information on cervical cancer (44.0%). About 97.0% had multiple sex daily, 33.5% of which were reportedly unprotected. Some (42.2%) engaged in cigarette smoking, vaginal douching (48.0%) and the use of oral contraceptive pills (16.2%). Amongst respondents that had heard of cervical cancer and its associated risk factors 98.0% disagreed that sexually transmitted diseases/human papilomavirus and multiple sexual partnership could predispose women to cervical cancer while 99.0% disagreed that cigarette smoking, use of oral contraceptive, vaginal douching, and unprotected sex promote cervical cancer. Younger age and attainment of at least secondary education were associated with awareness of cervical cancer while those that were single were less likely aware. Majority of focus group participants reported being unaware of cervical cancer and screening. Most discussants however, like to know more about it. Brothel-Based Female Sex Workers in Ibadan North Local Government Area engaged in cervical cancer risk behaviours and were largely unaware about the disease and the screening services. They were however, favourably disposed to screening. Public enlightenment by health educators and screening of these categories of workers are recommended.