Abubakari Wuni

Knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to cervical cancer screening utilization among female healthcare professionals in the Tamale Metropolis

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women globally, particularly in regions with limited access to preventive healthcare services. Despite the availability of effective screening methods, uptake remains suboptimal among healthcare professionals. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to cervical cancer screening among female healthcare professionals at Tamale Teaching Hospital. Design: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 female nurses, 27 female midwives, and 30 female medical doctors in the Tamale Metropolis from October to December 2024. Methods: A total of 278 female healthcare professionals were recruited using a simple random sampling method to ensure a representative sample. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SAS JMP Pro Statistical Software version 17.1: JMP Statistical Discovery, LLC (a subsidiary of SAS Institute). Results: Of the 278 respondents, more than half (58.6%) had good knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening methods. Factors associated with knowledge of cervical cancer were education ( p  = 0.002) and professional category ( p  = 0.039). Moreover, attitudes toward cervical cancer screening were generally positive, with 92.8% agreeing on its importance and 91.8% willing to encourage others to participate. However, the utilization of cervical cancer screening was low (33.1%). The most common barriers to screening utilization included having no reason (72.8%), tight schedules (71.1%), financial constraints (69.5%), and fear of screening outcomes (66.3%). Conclusion: Despite positive knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening, barriers hindered uptake. Workplace-based screening programs are needed to improve screening participation among female healthcare professionals.