A cross-sectional assessment of cervical cancer vaccination and screening among women of reproductive age living with HIV in North Central States, Nigeria.

Introduction: cervical cancer remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, particularly among women of reproductive age. This study investigated knowledge, risk perception, practices, and barriers to cervical cancer vaccination and screening among women living with HIV in North Central Nigeria. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective public health interventions. Methods: a cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 991 women of reproductive age randomly selected through a systematic sampling technique among those attending various ART clinics in Kwara and Niger States. Facilities were purposively selected among ART clinics across the three senatorial districts of each State. Data were collected using a 77-item semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact at α0.05. Results: despite the relatively high educational level among participants, 61.5% had never been screened for cervical cancer, and 96.3% had never been vaccinated. Cervical cancer awareness was high (76.2%), but comprehensive knowledge was low (34.6%). Key barriers included fear of pain, fear of positive results, logistic challenges, and cultural factors. Higher educational attainment and urban residency were associated with better knowledge and practices. Conclusion: there are significant gaps between awareness and actual practice of cervical cancer preventive measures among women living with HIV in North Central, Nigeria. Also, there exist various barriers that need to be addressed through various strategies highlighted in the study. These interventions are essential to increasing screening and vaccination rates and ultimately reducing the burden of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in North Central Nigeria.