Valentine C Ilika¹, Chinomnso C Nnebue^2,, Ngozi N Ikechebelu³, Chito P Anyanwu⁴, Amobi L Ilika⁵, Joseph I Ikechebelu⁶

Background: Risky sexual behavior, low level of awareness and poor screening uptake have been linked to the high prevalence of cervical cancer in our environment. Objective: To determine the sexual behavioral pattern, cervical cancer awareness and screening practices among female undergraduate students of public universities in Anambra state, Nigeria. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study of 342 female undergraduate students in Anambra state, Nigeria selected using a two stage sampling. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using statistical package for social sciences version 22.0. Chi-square test was used to identify statistically significant associations between variables. A p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The modal age at menarche, 215 (62.9%) was 13-15 years, while 18 (5.3%) first menstruated at ages below 10 years. Of the 311 (71.6%) that ever had sex, 289 (92.9%) had their coitarche at ages below 24 years, 209 (67.2%) were sexually active while 48 (15.4%) had multiple sex partners. About 310 (90.6%) have heard of cervical cancer, 269 (78.8%) were aware of cervical cancer screening, out of which 108 (40.2%) were aware of cervical cancer screening tests with Pap smear as the most mentioned screening test by 55 (51.0%). There were statistically significant associations between uptake of cervical cancer screening and [ever been pregnant (p=0.005), ever used contraceptives (p=0.001) and perceived need for cervical cancer screening (p=0.000) respectively. Conclusions: This study showed a good level of awareness of cervical cancer but cervical cancer screening practices was inadequate. We recommend educational programs and comprehensive cervical cancer screening strategy.

cervical cancer, awareness, screening practices, sexual behavior, female undergraduates, Anambra state Nigeria