Background:
In Nigeria Cervical Cancer (CC) screening services are poorly utilised. Men as dominant decision makers makes it challenging for women to take decisions independently on reproductive health.
Aim:
This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitudinal disposition and men's willingness to support CC screening in Nigeria.
Methods:
As a cross-sectional survey, a four-stage sampling procedure was used to select the study LGA, four wards, communities, and 304 men aged 20-69 years. Four focus Group Discussion (FGD) sessions were conducted. Interviewer-administered questionnaire with, a 20-point knowledge, 16-point attitudinal, 10-point willingness scales, and men’s support enhancing factors was used for data collection. Knowledge scores ≥ 10, attitudinal scores >8, and willingness scores ≥7 points were classified as good, positive, and willing respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Logistic regression tests, at 5% level of significance.
Results:
Respondents age was 35.9±9.7 years, 16.1% had tertiary education, and (79.6%) were ever married. Awareness of symptoms, and that screening prevents CC were 1.3%, 42.0% respectively, and 35.5% perceived CC as a curse to promiscuous women. Knowledge, attitudinal, and willingness scores were 5.97± 5.0, 9.5±4.4, and 7.5±2.3 respectively. Many (78.6%) had poor knowledge, (45.7%) negative attitude, and 69.1% willing to support spouse’s CC screening. Suggestions for enhancing support for C.C screening included awareness creation (86.9%). Men with tertiary education were more likely to have good knowledge of CC than those with primary education (OR:3.5, p≤0.05, C.I.=1.5-8.1). Men with good knowledge of CC screening were more likely to have positive attitudinal disposition to screening (OR=20.0, p≤0.05, C.I.7.0-56.2). Men with positive attitudinal disposition, were more willing to support screening (OR: 2.0, p≤0.05, C.I.=1.2-3.3). FGD’s reveal willingness to permit spouses based on their knowledge and affordability .
Conclusions:
Good knowledge was associated with attitude, and willingness of men to support screening. Hence health education is recommended.