Pap-smear awareness, utilization, and pattern of cervical IEN in women attending a Nigerian hospital

What is it about?

This cross‑sectional study that assessed participants' Pap smear awareness, utilization, and pattern of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia among 422 adult females in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria. Of the 422 women who participated, the majority (69.2%) had never heard of Pap smear screening while 30.8% were aware of Pap smear. Similarly, 81.0% women who participated in the study had never undergone a Pap smear. 308(74%) had normal cytology results, 25% had inflammatory changes, 0.8% had low‑grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion, and 0.2% had high‑grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion. Having higher education and being employed were associated with Pap smear awareness while increasing age and educational level were associated with Pap smear utilization.

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Why is it important?

This study revealed a low awareness and utilization of Pap smear screening in Northwestern Nigeria

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