Knowledge, Perception, and Intended Healthcare-Seeking Behavior for Ovarian Cancer Among Female Undergraduate Students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

PURPOSE Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecological malignancies, making it a major public health concern. Major global research finding highlighted a low level of ovarian cancer knowledge and education among women of reproductive age especially the younger ones. Therefore, the study assessed knowledge, perception, and intended healthcare-seeking behavior for ovarian cancer among female undergraduate students of University of Ibadan, the first tertiary institution in Nigeria. METHODS This cross-sectional survey involved 275 female undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan selected by a four-stage sampling technique. A pre-tested and retested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perception, and intended healthcare-seeking behavior toward ovarian cancer. Data was analyzed using frequency distribution, Chi-square, Spearman’s rank order correlation, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests with ±0.05. RESULTS Age was 22.12±2.2 years and 76% were Christians. Majority (95.3%) were aware of ovarian cancer however, only 33.2% had good knowledge. The top-two identified symptoms were abdominal pain (66%) and pelvic pain (63.8%). Over two third, (68.3%) had poor knowledge of its risk factors. Having ovarian cysts (29.5%) was the commonly recognized risk factor while the least was ‘menopause’ (16.4%). Majority had moderate perceived susceptibility and severity, but high perceived benefits, cues to action and self-efficacy. The majority (80.2%) intended to visit the health facility once they notice any symptoms of ovarian cancer and (66.0%) plan to do so within a few days. Knowledge was significantly and positively correlated with perception, the strongest was with perceived severity (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The knowledge of ovarian cancer is still very low when compared to other malignancies such as breast and cervical cancer. The female undergraduate students had low knowledge of ovarian cancer, but high intention to seek medical help. The results highlight the need for multi-component educational interventions and strengthening of the health system.