Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Cervical Cancer Screening among Female Public Health Students in the University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44, a period marked by high reproductive activity. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial in reducing mortality rates. This study was conducted between January 2024 and October 2024 and examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer screening among female Public Health students at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. The research was conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive study focusing on four objectives, four research questions, and two hypotheses. A sample of 344 participants was selected using a two-stage sampling technique. Data collection involved a self-administered questionnaire, with analysis conducted using SPSS Version 23 and Microsoft Excel to calculate frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that 157(45.7%) of respondents had fair knowledge of cervical cancer screening, while 205(59.8%) had a negative attitude towards it. Moreover, 284(82.8%) exhibited poor screening practices. Key barrier to cervical cancer screening included fear or discomfort 198(57.9%), lack of access to facilities 189(55.3%), financial constraints 185(54.1%), and time limitations 175(51.2%). Cultural beliefs and social norms affected 131(38.3%) of participants. Significant associations were found between poor knowledge and inadequate practices where P = 0.001 (P < 0.05). This study highlights the critical gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer screening among female Public Health students at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve awareness and accessibility of cervical cancer screening services, addressing both educational and systemic barriers.