The study determined awareness, use and the main source of information about preventive health examinations among 387
childbearing women attending three health facilities in Uyo, Nigeria. Respondents were consenting women aged 15-49 years who
had a live birth in the two months preceding the survey. Respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaires during
child welfare clinic visits at each facility. Awareness about pap smears and breast self examination was 14.2% and 35.3%
respectively. Testing rates were highest for blood pressure checks, HIV and blood sugar and lowest for Pap smears and
mammograms. Health workers were the main informants on preventive tests. Awareness and secondary education enhanced
women’s uptake of screening services across levels of health care. Secondary education as a minimum and intensified awareness
creation about preventive health examinations through media, school based programs, durbars and public health campaigns are
vital to the health and well being of women and children.