Research Article

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women of Reproductive Age Living With HIV in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State

Abstract

Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet women living with HIV remain at substantially increased risk because immunosuppression favours persistent high risk human papillomavirus infection. This study evaluated knowledge of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age living with HIV in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State. A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted among 340 women receiving HIV care in five selected facilities. Data were collected with a structured interviewer administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. Descriptive statistics summarised knowledge, while binary logistic regression examined associated factors. Although 92.4% of respondents had heard of cervical cancer screening, detailed knowledge was uneven. While 83.5% knew that women living with HIV had higher cervical cancer risk, only 58.2% identified vaginal bleeding as a warning sign and 49.1% recognised pain during sexual intercourse.13.8% incorrectly believed that antiretroviral therapy removed the need for cervical screening, while 22.1% were uncertain. Overall, 64.1% had good knowledge and 35.9% had poor knowledge. Secondary education, tertiary education, monthly income of N70,000 to N100,000, and previous screening experience were significantly associated with good knowledge. Women who had previously screened had more than four times the odds of good knowledge compared with those never screened. The findings show that general awareness does not necessarily provide the specific knowledge required for timely prevention. Cervical cancer counselling should be routinely integrated into HIV care and linked to accessible screening services.