Mignote H Gebrie, Mesfin A Belete, Semarya B Lemlem and Hiwot K Woreta
Background: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, the incidence of cervical cancer is high, 35.9 per 100,000 women. Objective: To explore cervical cancer knowledge, preventive practices and associated factors among female nurses in government hospitals. Methods: 275 nurses participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study by responding to a structured questionnaire about knowledge and preventive practices. Statistical analysis included both bivariate and regression analysis, while controlling for possible confounders. Results: A little over half (60.8%) of nurses had knowledge of cervical cancer but only 21.9% reported practicing prevention of cervical cancer. Marital status and training about cervical cancer screening had a strong and positive association on knowledge; education, family history, unit of work and ever cared patient with cervical cancer were also significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer. Preventive practice of cervical cancer was significantly associated with younger age, work experience, being diagnosed with cervical cancer, and ever cared patient with cervical cancer and ever visited a health institution. Conclusion: While at least 60% of the respondents were knowledgeable but preventive practices among nurses were low. Consistent training is required on knowledge and preventive practices of cervical cancer to combat its high morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia.