An assessment of nurses' awareness and adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki
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Background of the Study
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Koka et al., 2024). It is caused primarily by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be detected through routine screening methods such as the Pap smear or HPV testing (Adesina et al., 2025). Early detection and prevention through regular screening can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. However, despite the availability of screening methods, cervical cancer rates remain high in many LMICs, including Nigeria, due to factors such as low awareness, cultural barriers, and limited healthcare infrastructure (Nwankwo et al., 2024).
At the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge. Although the hospital offers cervical cancer screening services, the level of awareness and adherence to screening guidelines among nurses, who are pivotal in promoting preventive health measures, is not well documented. Nurses in this setting are expected to educate patients, encourage regular screenings, and provide essential follow-up care (Okorie & Okwuokei, 2023). However, their knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and their adherence to clinical guidelines for screening may be inconsistent, impacting the effectiveness of cancer control programs.
Globally, evidence shows that a lack of knowledge and training in cervical cancer prevention among healthcare workers, particularly nurses, contributes to poor participation in screening programs (Lemos et al., 2023). In Nigeria, a few studies have assessed the role of nurses in cervical cancer awareness and screening, but there is limited data on their adherence to national and international guidelines. Given that nurses are often the first point of contact for women seeking healthcare, their awareness and adherence to screening protocols are essential for the success of any cervical cancer prevention strategy (Oloyede et al., 2024).
This study aims to assess the level of awareness among nurses about cervical cancer screening guidelines and to determine the extent to which they adhere to these guidelines at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. The findings will help identify gaps in knowledge and adherence, and recommend strategies to improve cervical cancer screening services and outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the availability of guidelines for cervical cancer screening and preventive care, the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer remain high in Nigeria (Ojo et al., 2023). Nurses play a critical role in promoting awareness and adherence to screening guidelines. However, the level of awareness among nurses at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, and their adherence to cervical cancer screening protocols have not been thoroughly examined. This is concerning, as inadequate knowledge or improper application of screening guidelines could lead to delayed diagnosis, lower screening rates, and ultimately higher mortality from cervical cancer.
While healthcare providers, particularly nurses, are expected to adhere to national and international guidelines for cervical cancer screening, there may be gaps in their training and understanding of the guidelines (Adedeji et al., 2024). These gaps can contribute to low participation in screening programs, inadequate patient education, and a failure to refer at-risk individuals for follow-up care. This study seeks to assess these gaps and provide insights into how they may be addressed to enhance cervical cancer prevention in the region.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of awareness of nurses about cervical cancer screening guidelines at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
- To evaluate the adherence of nurses to cervical cancer screening guidelines in their practice.
- To identify barriers that influence nurses' adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines.
Research Questions
- What is the level of awareness of nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, regarding cervical cancer screening guidelines?
- To what extent do nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, adhere to cervical cancer screening guidelines in their practice?
- What factors influence nurses' adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki?
Research Hypotheses
- There is a significant relationship between nurses' awareness of cervical cancer screening guidelines and their adherence to those guidelines.
- Nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, have inadequate knowledge of cervical cancer screening guidelines.
- There are significant barriers that hinder nurses' adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will be conducted at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, focusing on nurses who are involved in providing healthcare services to women, especially in the areas of gynecology and oncology. The research will include nurses from various wards and departments that deal with women’s health. It will exclude other healthcare workers such as doctors, midwives, and health administrators.
One limitation of this study is that it will only capture data from one hospital, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other institutions in Nigeria or different regions. Additionally, the study relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias, particularly if nurses feel pressured to provide socially acceptable responses. The cross-sectional nature of the study means that it cannot assess changes over time, which could provide more robust insights into long-term trends in awareness and adherence.
Definitions of Terms
- Cervical Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, often caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Screening Guidelines: The recommendations and protocols set by health organizations for the detection and prevention of cervical cancer, including the age at which screening should start and the frequency of screening.
- Adherence: The degree to which nurses follow established protocols or guidelines in their professional practice.
- Awareness: The level of knowledge or understanding that nurses have regarding cervical cancer and the related screening guidelines.
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