Bio-sociocultural factors determining utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women aged 25-49 years

Abstract

Background: Cervical Cancer has been established as the fourth most common cancer among women all over the world, with an estimated 570,000 new cases in 2018. Kenya cervical cancer statistics have shown that the disease contributes 5,250 (12.9%) of the new cancer cases every year, consequently contributing to 3,286 (11.84%) of all the cancer deaths annually. Cultural beliefs significantly influence cervical cancer prevention, and WHO emphasizes screening for early detection of precancerous lesions as a key strategy toward eliminating the disease among women.

Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Maternal Child Health clinic at Kitengela Sub-county Hospital. Women aged 25-49 years were assessed. Semi-structured researcher-administered questionnaires were used to assess the bio-sociocultural factors influencing the utilization of cervical cancer screening services. The study used Fisher’s formula to determine a sample of 194 participants selected through systematic random sampling, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression in SPSS version 24.

Results: The study showed that the older the woman, the higher the chances of utilizing the service (B=0.731). Although most 82.5% (n=160) of them were married, only 1.5 % (n=3) found it comfortable discussing their reproductive health issues with their sexual partner. A significant number 36% (n= 54) of them, felt that it was shameful to expose their private parts. All respondents were Christians; however, a significant number, 20% (n=30) of them, reported that their religion does not allow them to be screened for cervical cancer. The analysis showed that the higher the number of children one has, the greater the likelihood of using the service (B = 0.253).

Conclusion: Cervical cancer screening uptake remains low despite general awareness, largely due to inadequate knowledge about free services in public health facilities. Targeted health education and age-specific sensitization strategies are therefore necessary to improve utilization, especially among younger women.