Awareness Levels and Attitudinal Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening: A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Women in Plateau State, Nigeria.
by Aminat Omope Yusuf, Catherine Nadabo, Chukwuekezie Chidiebere Nkemakonam, Ebenezer Kolawale Adeosun, Ethel Ihemjiaba Ekam, Michael Kehinde Olujoba, Timothy Olugbenga Ogundeko
Published: February 26, 2026 • DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2026.13020040
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, where inadequate awareness and low utilization of screening services contribute significantly to late diagnosis and high mortality.
Objective: This study assessed and compared awareness and attitudinal barriers to cervical cancer screening among women in urban and rural areas of Plateau State, Nigeria.
Method: A comparative cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving 203 women aged 21–65 years selected through multistage sampling from Jos Metropolis (urban) and Bassa Local Government Area (rural). Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of cervical cancer and screening methods, and attitudes toward screening and HPV vaccination. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics summarized key variables, while binary logistic regression identified factors associated with cervical cancer awareness, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.