JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Cervical cancer is a common cause of death among women globally, especially in Africa. Each year 7,093 women in Nigeria die from cervical cancer. Clinical practice guidelines developed by the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Nigeria (SOGON) aim to prevent cervical cancer. However, the extent of their adoption among gynecologists remains unclear. The study aims to assess the awareness, understanding, and incorporation into clinical practice of SOGON clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer prevention among Nigerian gynecologists

Objective:

The study aims to assess the awareness, understanding, and incorporation into clinical practice of SOGON clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer prevention among Nigerian gynecologists

Methods:

This mixed-methods study assessed the awareness, understanding, and incorporation of SOGON clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer prevention among Nigerian gynecologists. A convergent parallel design was employed, combining quantitative data from 105 survey respondents and qualitative insights from key informant interviews with 12 gynecologists at the 2023 Annual General Meeting of SOGON in Kano. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.

Results:

One-hundred and five gynecologists completed the survey. The average age of the respondents was 50 years old years, and they had an average of 12 years of clinical practice after residency. One-third (33%) were women. findings showed a high level of awareness (93%) of the SOGON guidelines among respondents, with strong agreement on their importance for cervical cancer prevention. However, integration into clinical practice was moderate, with barriers including limited training, resource constraints, and lack of institutional support. The qualitative data emphasized the need for more tailored guidelines for high-risk groups and rural populations, as well as continuous professional development opportunities. 70% of participants advocated for a participatory approach in the guideline review process, ensuring their experiences inform updates.

Conclusions:

While Nigerian gynecologists demonstrate a strong awareness of SOGON guidelines, challenges remain in fully integrating them into practice. Efforts to improve training, accessibility, and institutional support are essential to enhance the adoption of evidence-based practices in cervical cancer prevention.