Acceptance of human papilloma virus self-testing in cervical cancer prevention among rural Nigerian women

Matilda Kerry; Ifeoma  Okafor; Alero  Roberts; Mobolanle   Balogun; Omolara   Oyadotun; Awofeso  Opeyemi; Uzoamaka Igwilo; Tope Olubodun Olubodun; Damilola  Akinsulire; Ugonna Igwilo  Igwilo

doi:10.2298/AOO250626013K

Matilda Kerry National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3274-5002
Ifeoma Okafor Department of Community Health & Primary Care College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Alero Roberts Department of Community Health & Primary Care College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Mobolanle Balogun Department of Community Health & Primary Care College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Omolara Oyadotun Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Awofeso Opeyemi Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Uzoamaka Igwilo Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Tope Olubodun Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Damilola Akinsulire Faculty of Public Health, United Kingdom
Ugonna Igwilo Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2298/AOO250626013K

Keywords: Papillomavirus Infections, Public Health, Self-Examination, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms, Rural Population, Africa South of the Sahara

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the knowledge and acceptance of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing among rural women in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, aiming to address the growing public health concern of cervical cancer. With 9,922 new cervical cancer cases annually in Nigeria, late diagnosis and suboptimal treatment contribute to high mortality rates.

Methods: The study involved 220 women who performed HPV self-sampling alongside physician-conducted visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and reported preference.

Results: The results reveal inadequate cervical cancer awareness (55.5%) and low HPV knowledge (20.9%), particularly among women with incomplete education. While 80.9% of women preferred VIA, only 49.1% found HPV self-sampling feasible. Notably, self-testing was more accepted among divorced, separated, and widowed women.

Conclusion: The efforts to improve education and awareness about the causative role of HPV in cervical cancer awareness are crucial to enhance its utilization and acceptance in rural settings.

Author Biography

Matilda Kerry, National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria

Dr Matilda Kerry is a Fellow of the Medical College of Public Health with experience in clinical care, community programs, research, and implementation studies. Her interests were strengthened through medical school and advanced by her Master’s and residency training. Her research work has produced evidence for national and global application and won the 2020 National Public Health Fellowship Dissertation Prize. She expanded her leadership through the Mandela Washington Fellowship and later led state programs at the Clinton Health Access Initiative. As an autism mum and disability advocate, she has applied design thinking to guide inclusive education and play initiatives adopted in Nigeria.

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