Knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to cervical cancer screening utilization among female healthcare professionals in the Tamale Metropolis

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women globally, particularly in regions with limited access to preventive healthcare services. Despite the availability of effective screening methods, uptake remains suboptimal among healthcare professionals.

Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to cervical cancer screening among female healthcare professionals at Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 278 female healthcare professionals. Respondents were recruited using a simple random sampling method to ensure a representative sample. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SAS JMP Pro Statistical Software version 17.1

Results: Of the total respondents, more than half (58.6%) had good knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening methods. Factors associated with knowledge of cervical cancer were education (p = 0.001), work experience (p = 0.004), and professional category (p = 0.039). Moreover, attitudes toward cervical cancer screening were generally positive, with 92.8% agreeing on its importance and 91.8% willing to encourage others to participate. However, the utilization of cervical cancer screening was low (33.1%). The most common barriers to screening utilization included having no reason (72.8%), tight schedules (71.1%), financial constraints (69.5%), and fear of screening outcomes (66.3%).

Conclusion: Despite knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening being positive, barriers hindered screening uptake. Workplace-based screening programs are needed to improve screening participation among female healthcare professionals.