Amos Deogratius Mwaka

Awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and preventive approaches, and perceived causes of cervical cancer among secondary school girls: a cross-sectional study in Northern Uganda

The majority of women in low- and middle-income countries have low awareness of cervical cancer. This study sought to establish awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and preventive approaches, as well as sources of information and perceived causes of cervical cancer among secondary school girls in northern Uganda. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in rural northern Uganda. We collected data using an investigator administered pre-tested questionnaire. Analysis was done with STATA version 14.0. Multivariate analyses with logistic regressions models were used to determine magnitudes of association between independent and outcome variables. Odds ratios and accompanying 95% confidence intervals are reported. Statistical significance was considered if the two sided Most participants (97%; Secondary school girls need information on cervical cancer risk factors and approaches to prevention so that they may avoid exposures to the risk factors and promptly seek and undertake preventive approaches including HPV vaccinations.