Improved awareness of Pap smear may not affect its use in Nigeria: a case study of female medical practitioners in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Improved awareness of Pap test by Nigerian women may not necessarily increase its use. This hypothesis was tested using female medical practitioners in Enugu state, Nigeria. They were expected to be advocates of disease screening and therefore should lead by example. All respondents were aware of the Pap smear but only 18% had used it. The mean frequency of Pap smear was 1.8+/-1.2 (range 1-5). Repeat Pap tests were observed only among respondents that had screened as routine. The majority (32%) of those who never screened for cervical cancer had no reason. There may be more to the use of Pap smear among women in Nigeria than its awareness.