PERCEPTION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MULTIPLE SEXUAL PARTNERS AND CERVICAL CANCER BY FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES OF UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

Invasive cervical cancer is the commonest cause of cancer morbidity and mortality In African women and multiple sexual partners Is a major risk factor. This study seeks Information on female undergraduates of University of Ibadan s perception of the relationship between sexual partners and cervical cancer. Data were derived from questionnaires administered to 312 female undergraduate students selected from the twelve faculties in the University of Ibadan using convenience sampling technique. Participants demographic characteristics did not have any influence on their perception about the relationship between multiple sexual partners and cervical cancer. Majority (67%) did not perceive any relationship between them- The median age of sexual debut and number of sexual partners was 15 years and 4 respectively. Early sexual debut was associated with peer pressure and ignorance. Appreciable number (50%) perceived multiple sexual partners as a cause of HIV/AIDS and not cervical cancer. Two hypotheses were tested using chi-square and regression analysis. The first hypothesis was significant at two degrees of freedom and was therefore supported while the other was not supported. Initiatives to encourage later commencement of coitus and limiting the number of sexual partners would have a favorable impact on risk of cancer of the cervix and other sexually transmitted infections. This study therefore suggests lack of awareness of the relationship between multiple sexual lifestyle and cervical cancer. A dire need to strengthen this in awareness programmes is conspicuous and nurses are well poised to enhance this.