Knowledge and Attitudes towards Cervical Cancer Screening among Women of Reproductive Age in Kanyama Compound, Lusaka, Zambia

Oliver Phiri^1, , Abigail Chuma Kalemba¹, Ireen Kamoto Phiri¹, Charity Shilengwe¹, Eurody Kamwendo¹, Adess Mwale¹, Remmy Phiri¹, Chipego Hajamba¹, Vernancious Chisanga Momba¹, Euphresia Sibeso¹, Andrew Tembo¹, Esther Jere¹, George Zulu¹, Harriet Nawila¹, Moono Choolwe¹ and Jane Mulife¹

¹Department of Nursing, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia

Cite this paper:
Oliver Phiri, Abigail Chuma Kalemba, Ireen Kamoto Phiri, Charity Shilengwe, Eurody Kamwendo, Adess Mwale, Remmy Phiri, Chipego Hajamba, Vernancious Chisanga Momba, Euphresia Sibeso, Andrew Tembo, Esther Jere, George Zulu, Harriet Nawila, Moono Choolwe and Jane Mulife. Knowledge and Attitudes towards Cervical Cancer Screening among Women of Reproductive Age in Kanyama Compound, Lusaka, Zambia. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2026; 14(3):58-60. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-14-3-2

Abstract

Background: 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. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 women aged 18–49 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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

Keywords:
cervical cancer cervical cancer screening knowledge attitudes Zambia

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