Professional Readiness for Cervical Cancer Prevention among Female Nursing Students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Implications for Nursing Education and Career Development

<title>Abstract</title> <p> Background Preparing nursing students for professional practice requires the development of competencies, attitudes, and preventive health behaviours necessary for effective health promotion and disease prevention. Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, where nurses play a critical role in promoting screening, vaccination, and health education. This study assessed indicators of professional readiness for cervical cancer prevention among female nursing students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 299 female nursing students enrolled in three accredited Bachelor of Nursing Science programmes in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and readiness indicators, with chi-square tests to assess associations between socio-demographic variables and knowledge levels. Results Awareness of cervical cancer screening was high, with 88.1% of respondents reporting prior awareness. Most participants demonstrated good knowledge of cervical cancer (71.6%) and correctly identified qualified screening providers (71.6%). Positive attitudes toward prevention were common, with 89.0% agreeing that screening helps prevent cervical cancer and 93.3% expressing willingness to undergo screening if it were free and safe. Indicators of cognitive readiness, including awareness, knowledge, and attitudes, were strong. In contrast, indicators of behavioural readiness were consistently poor. Only 19 (6.4%) respondents had ever undergone cervical cancer screening, 42 (14.0%) had received HPV vaccination, and 55 (18.4%) were aware of HPV vaccine availability within their institutions. Knowledge was significantly associated with age ( <italic>p</italic>  = 0.001) and academic level ( <italic>p</italic>  &lt; 0.001). Cost, fear, and inadequate information were identified as important barriers to preventive service uptake. Conclusions Female nursing students demonstrated strong cognitive indicators of professional readiness for cervical cancer prevention. However, behavioural readiness remained inadequate, revealing a substantial knowledge-practice gap. Strengthening cervical cancer prevention content within nursing curricula, promoting experiential learning, and improving access to screening and vaccination services may enhance professional readiness and better prepare future nurses to serve as effective health educators, screening advocates, and leaders in women's health promotion. </p>