Awareness and access barriers to cervical cancer screening among rural women in Nigeria: An extended literature review

Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among rural women, where awareness of the disease and participation in screening programmes remain low. This extended literature review examines the level of awareness of cervical cancer screening among rural women in Nigeria and identifies barriers that limit access to screening services. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PubMed identified five relevant studies published between 2017 and 2023, including two qualitative and three quantitative studies. The PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) framework guided study selection and data extraction, while a modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used to assess study quality. Findings were analysed thematically. The review identified several key barriers to cervical cancer screening, including limited knowledge and awareness, socio-cultural beliefs and misconceptions, financial constraints, geographical inaccessibility, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and limited support from healthcare providers. Although awareness campaigns and community-based interventions have improved knowledge in some settings, significant challenges continue to hinder access to and uptake of screening services among rural women. The review highlights the need for culturally appropriate health education, improved access to affordable screening services, and strengthened healthcare delivery in rural communities. Addressing these barriers is essential for increasing screening uptake and reducing the burden of cervical cancer among rural women in Nigeria.