Integration and acceptability of cervical cancer screening as part of postnatal care among women attending postnatal clinics in the Accra Metropolis, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
2024

Cervical Cancer Screening in Postnatal Care in Ghana

Sample size: 347 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Buadi Lawrence Oppong, Odame Raphael, Samba Ali, Kareem Mumuni, Boateng Angela Amoanimaa, Diogo Claudette Ahliba, Morrision Rebecca Tricia, Kwakye George Kumi, Smith-Togobo Cecilia

Primary Institution: Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Accra, Ghana

Hypothesis

Is integrating cervical cancer screening into postnatal care acceptable and feasible for women in Ghana?

Conclusion

Integrating cervical cancer screening into routine postnatal care is feasible and could lead to high uptake among women.

Supporting Evidence

  • 90.5% of participants were satisfied with the Pap test procedure.
  • 52.7% found the cost of the screening affordable.
  • 90.8% of the Pap smear tests returned normal results.
  • Educational level and occupation significantly influenced the acceptability of the Pap test.
  • Integration of cervical cancer screening into postnatal care could increase screening uptake.

Takeaway

This study shows that many women are happy to get screened for cervical cancer during their postnatal visits, which can help catch problems early.

Methodology

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 347 postpartum women attending their 6th-week postnatal visit, where Pap smear tests were performed.

Limitations

The study did not assess the cost-effectiveness of integrating cervical cancer screening into postnatal care.

Participant Demographics

Most participants were between 30 and 39 years old, with a majority being married and having secondary or tertiary education.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.006; p < 0.001; p = 0.019

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 1.05–10.21; 95% CI = 1.67–25.29

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgph.0004070

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