Abstract:

Background: Cervical cancer is the burden to many countries worldwide, but the burden is relatively bigger in developing countries compared to developed countries. Due to high incidences in developing countries women who are in reproductive age in those countries are potentially at risk for cervical cancer. Primary prevention and screening play a major role in prevention of cervical cancer and reduction of the burden.

Objectives: The evaluation of perceived of risk factors and causes is important toward fighting cervical cancer. This study evaluates the knowledge of cervical cancer. Risk factors and causes among secondary school girl aged 12 to 19 years old in Nyamagana.

Methods: A cross section study helped is assessing the knowledge of cervical cancer and its perceived risks, the population of secondary school girls aged 12 to 19 years representing the population of young women in reproductive age who are at prone of developing cervical cancer in future. Data was collected by a researcher designed tool questionnaire and summarized by SPSS.

Results: Among the 116 participants 81% have heard of cervical cancer, 36.2% know how a cervical cancer is screened and 36.2% know cervical cancer is caused by HPV. 80.2% of the girls have heard of HPV. 37.9% know there is relationship between HPV infection and cervical cancer and 80.2% have heard of HPV vaccine 62.5%, 75% and 46.6% perceive early AFS, STIs, and multiple sexual partners respectively as risk factors for HPV infection, while contraceptive use is perceived a risk for cervical cancer by 82.8% of the participants.

Conclusion: Most of the secondary school girls have heard of cervical cancer but most of them don’t know the cause, how is screened and relationship with HPV so they are not knowledgeable. And their perception on risk factors is not realistic.