Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening and Its Associated Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age in Kericho County
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Background
Cervical cancer is a prevalent non-communicable and public health issue among reproductive-aged women worldwide. It is the second most common cancer among females and contributes to 12.9% of new cancer cases and 11.84% of all cancer deaths annually. Early detection and treatment can prevent and cure the disease. Screening among women has gained global attention, with 500,000 women developing cervical cancer annually, of which 85% occurs in developing countries. This study investigated prevalence and factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women aged 18–49 years in Bureti Constituency, Kericho County.
Methods
The study adopted an institution-based cross-sectional study design. The study used systematic random sampling technique to select 328 women aged 18–49 who attended maternal and child health clinic at Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital during study period. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, including sociodemographic, awareness and knowledge and screening uptake sections. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive analyses were performed to all the variables. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess factors associated with cervical cancer screening.
Results
The study involved 328 women of reproductive age. This study found that the prevalence of cervical cancer screening was 16.2% (95% CI: 10.5-23.4). Being 34 years and above (aOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.11 – 2.52, p < 0.001), primary education (aOR: 3.83, 95% CI: 1.72 – 8.54, p = 0.001), self-employed (aOR: 5.98, 95% CI: 2.94 – 12.15, p < 0.001), unemployed (aOR: 8.96, 95% CI: 2.74 – 29.27, p < 0.001), and family history of cervical cancer (aOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 0.74 – 6.12, p = 0.016) significantly increased odds of screen uptake. Additionally, lack of awareness of screening, and poor knowledge on risk factors, signs and symptoms and groups at risk were less likely to screen.
Conclusion
Low screening uptake emphasizes need for more community-based public health initiatives to raise awareness and knowledge on cervical cancer and its screening. The findings of this study inform tailored interventions to enhance the knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer screening in Kericho County.
