Sociodemographic and risk factors of cervical cancer among female staff of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

This study examines the sociodemographic and risk factors for cervical cancer among female staff of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria. It is a descriptive cross-sectional survey which was conducted among 400 female staff using predesigned semi-structured questionnaires. The sampling technique adopted was systematic sampling technique. Data analyses were done using statistical package for social sciences version 23 software package. Chi square was used to determine the associations between age at marriage and cervical erosion. A total of 77(19.3%) respondents consume alcohol, 78(19.5%) have had sexually transmitted infection and 58(14.5%) had multiple sexual partners. Thirty-nine (7.5%) have had regular Pap test, while 293(73.2%) have never had Pap test. Cervical erosion was found among 114(38.3%) out of which 101(25.3%) occurred in women that were married on or before the age of 21 years. This study shows the association of cervical cancer among female staff of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri and their sociodemographic and other risk factors. Monogamy, late commencement of sexual activity, personal hygiene, use of barrier contraceptive methods, regular cervical screening and early detection efforts will help towards primary prevention.