Browsing by Author "Ndakukamo, Elizabeth Kaleinasho."

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    Cervical Cancer Prevention in Rural Namibia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Ohangwena and Kavango West.
    (International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR), 2025-06-28) Ndakukamo, Elizabeth Kaleinasho.; Mahalie, Roswitha.; Hailonga-Van Dijk, Panduleni.
    Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. In Namibia, cervical cancer often goes undetected despite its prevention through early detection. Women in rural areas face barriers to screening due to limited access to preventive services, inadequate knowledge, and cultural stigmas, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Objective: The study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer prevention among the community of the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions in Namibia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in various health facilities across these regions. Using purposeful sampling, 228 respondents aged 18-59 participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 29. Results: The findings reveal a moderate level of knowledge of cervical cancer but limited awareness about human papillomavirus, with respondents generally showing a positive attitude toward prevention. However, respondents demonstrated poor screening practices. Conclusion: While the knowledge of cervical cancer is relatively high, significant gaps remain in knowledge regarding human papillomavirus. Positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening are uplifting. However, structural and cultural barriers impede preventive practices. Unique Contribution: This study provides localised evidence on cervical cancer prevention by examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rural communities in Ohangwena and Kavango West, Namibia. It adds to the limited research on rural populations and identifies key cultural, informational, and systemic barriers to effective prevention. The findings offer a foundation for context-specific interventions and informed public health efforts to improve community engagement in screening and human papillomavirus awareness. Key Recommendation: The findings indicate the potential value of implementing community-based education initiatives that emphasise awareness and the importance of regular screening. Furthermore, integrating cervical cancer education into routine primary healthcare services and school health programmes may support efforts to address existing knowledge gaps and promote early prevention practices within rural settings.
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    Cervical Cancer Prevention in Rural Namibia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Ohangwena and Kavango West.
    (International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR), 2025-06-28) Ndakukamo, Elizabeth Kaleinasho.; Mahalie, Roswitha.; Hailonga-Van Dijk, Panduleni.
    Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. In Namibia, cervical cancer often goes undetected despite its prevention through early detection. Women in rural areas face barriers to screening due to limited access to preventive services, inadequate knowledge, and cultural stigmas, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Objective: The study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer prevention among the community of the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions in Namibia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in various health facilities across these regions. Using purposeful sampling, 228 respondents aged 18-59 participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 29. Results: The findings reveal a moderate level of knowledge of cervical cancer but limited awareness about human papillomavirus, with respondents generally showing a positive attitude toward prevention. However, respondents demonstrated poor screening practices. Conclusion: While the knowledge of cervical cancer is relatively high, significant gaps remain in knowledge regarding human papillomavirus. Positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening are uplifting. However, structural and cultural barriers impede preventive practices. Unique Contribution: This study provides localised evidence on cervical cancer prevention by examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rural communities in Ohangwena and Kavango West, Namibia. It adds to the limited research on rural populations and identifies key cultural, informational, and systemic barriers to effective prevention. The findings offer a foundation for context-specific interventions and informed public health efforts to improve community engagement in screening and human papillomavirus awareness. Key Recommendation: The findings indicate the potential value of implementing community-based education initiatives that emphasise awareness and the importance of regular screening. Furthermore, integrating cervical cancer education into routine primary healthcare services and school health programmes may support efforts to address existing knowledge gaps and promote early prevention practices within rural settings.
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    Health system constraints in cervical cancer prevention in rural Namibia: A qualitative study
    (African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 2025-08-21) Ndakukamo, Elizabeth Kaleinasho.; Mahalie, Roswitha.; Hailonga-Van Dijk, Panduleni.
    Background: Cervical cancer remains a pressing public health concern in Namibia, with significant barriers to prevention, particularly in rural areas. Aim: This study explored health system’s challenges and their impact on cervical cancer prevention efforts. Setting: This study was conducted in the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions of Namibia. Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was employed, focusing on healthcare workers directly involved in cervical cancer prevention. In-depth interviews were utilised to collect data from 11 participants from four district hospitals. Thematic analysis, guided by the World Health Organisation’s six health system framework pillars, was used. Results: Key service gaps were identified across critical areas of cervical cancer prevention, including a lack of awareness, a lack of human papillomavirus vaccines and referral screening equipment that limited local outreach services. Other significant findings included the shortage of trained personnel and the manual data systems, which resulted in deficiencies in decision making. Financial constraints, including reliance on non-governmental organisation funding and weak community engagement, exacerbated by cultural stigma, presented leadership challenges. Conclusion: Investing in human resources for health, decentralising budget trends and enhancing data systems are critical for cervical cancer prevention in rural Namibia. Equally important is the active involvement of the community in these efforts. Contribution: This study highlights key health system constraints in the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions.