@article{ajphr20261432,
author={{Phiri, Oliver and Kalemba, Abigail Chuma and Phiri, Ireen Kamoto and Shilengwe, Charity and Kamwendo, Eurody and Mwale, Adess and Phiri, Remmy and Hajamba, Chipego and Momba, Vernancious Chisanga and Sibeso, Euphresia and Tembo, Andrew and Jere, Esther and Zulu, George and Nawila, Harriet and Choolwe, Moono and Mulife, Jane},
title={Knowledge and Attitudes towards Cervical Cancer Screening among Women of Reproductive Age in Kanyama Compound, Lusaka, Zambia},
journal={American Journal of Public Health Research},
volume={14},
number={3},
pages={58--60},
year={2026},
url={https://pubs.sciepub.com/ajphr/14/3/2},
issn={2327-6703},
abstract={<b>Background:</b> Cervical cancer remains the fourth most frequent cancer in women globally and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Zambia, which has the third highest incidence worldwide (71.5 per 100,000 women). Despite free screening services, uptake remains low in underserved urban areas like Kanyama Compound. This study assessed the level of knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age. <b>Methods:</b> A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 women aged 18¨C49 years attending Kanyama First Level Hospital. Participants were recruited using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured, researcher-assisted questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were computed using SPSS version 16.0. <b>Results: </b>The majority of respondents (80.3%) demonstrated adequate knowledge of cervical cancer. Health personnel (32.7%) and media (31.6%) were the primary information sources. Bleeding after sexual intercourse was the most recognized symptom (36.4%). However, 64.6% did not know what cervical cancer screening entails, and 44.9% could not identify any benefits of screening. Negative attitudes towards screening were observed in 58.4% of respondents, and 58.7% had never been screened. Marital status (p = 0.008) and level of education (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge. <b>Conclusion:</b> Although most women had adequate general knowledge about cervical cancer, significant gaps existed regarding screening procedures and benefits. Negative attitudes and low screening uptake persist. Targeted health promotion through mass media in local languages, training of community health workers, and strengthening of reproductive health services are recommended},
doi={10.12691/ajphr-14-3-2}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}