Knowledge, Perception, and Intended healthcare-seeking Behaviour for Ovarian cancer among female undergraduate Students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

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Abstract Purpose Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynaecological 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. The study assessed knowledge, perception, and intended healthcare-seeking behaviour for ovarian cancer among female undergraduate students of University of Ibadan. Methods This cross-sectional survey involved 275 female undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan selected by a four-stage sampling technique. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perception, and intended healthcare-seeking behaviour toward ovarian cancer. Data was analysed using Chi-square, Spearman’s rank order correlation, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests with α ≤ 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 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.

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