Implementing a community-based health education and mobile screening intervention to improve accessibility and uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening programs in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Breast and cervical cancers continue to be major causes of cancer morbidity and mortality among women in developing nations such as Nigeria. Inadequate knowledge about screening, lack of access to screening programs, sociocultural impediments, and poor health system performance are some factors that lead to low participation rates especially in remote areas. This study evaluated community-based education and mobile screening interventions to improve breast and cervical cancer screening access among Ebonyi women. A quasi-experimental design of community-based studies with pre-test and post-test measurements was employed among women aged 21-65 years within selected communities in Ebonyi State. The health education and mobile screening services involved culturally sensitive educational talks, and clinical breast examination and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) test for cervical cancer screening, respectively. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics with a significant level of p < 0.05. Awareness and utilization of breast and cervical cancer screening services were low at baseline. Awareness about breast and cervical cancer screening, as well as the perceived benefits of screening, was significantly enhanced post-intervention. Utilization of screening services increased greatly among those screened for breast cancer (from 18.0% to 61.0%) and those who underwent screening for cervical cancer (from 14.5% to 55.5%) (p < 0.001). Most respondents indicated that screening services became more accessible to them after the intervention. A community health education campaign coupled with mobile screening services has proven highly effective in improving access to, and utilization of, breast and cervical cancer screening services in Ebonyi State.