Risk Factors and Preventive Measures of Cervical Cancer among Women of Reproductive Age in Southeast, Nigeria

Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue among women of reproductive age in Southeast Nigeria. Despite advances in preventive measures, awareness and uptake remain low, contributing to the high incidence of the disease in the region. This study investigates the risk factors and preventive measures of cervical cancer among women in Southeast, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted across the five states of Southeast Nigeria (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo). The study population included women aged 15-49 years, who had resided in the region for at least one year and provided informed consent. A multistage sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 235 participants from urban and rural communities. Data was collected through structured questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were employed using SPSS software version 26 to analyze the data. The study identified multiple risk factors for cervical cancer, including early sexual activity (22.13%), multiple sexual partners (45.96%), and low awareness of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (39.57%). Preventive measures such as cervical cancer screening (41.70%) and HPV vaccination (22.09%) were poorly utilized. A significant portion of the participants (74.04%) had never undergone cervical cancer screening, and only 29.36% had received the HPV vaccine. The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced education and outreach programs to increase awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and preventive measures in Southeast Nigeria. Strategies should focus on promoting cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination while addressing barriers such as lack of awareness, access to services, and cultural beliefs.