Uptake of cervical cancer screening among women aged 21-65 years seeking health services in Uasin-Gishu District Hospital
Abstract
Background
Cervical cancer poses a great challenge in the world and especially in developing countries.
Global cancer statistics ranked the disease seventh of all the cancers (Globocan, 2008). It is the
leading cause of death from cancer among women in the developing countries where 90% of the
cases are reported (WHO, 2009). Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and if high uptake of
screening is achieved, a great reduction in the incidence and the disease burden can be realized.
Sexual habits constitute a major factor in the disease development and are attributed majorly to
the Human Papilloma Virus. Increasing the number of women who have cervical cancer
screening, the overall 5-year survival can be realized.
Objective
The main objective for this study was to determine the uptake of cervical cancer screemng
among women of ages 21-65 years seeking health services in Uasin-Gishu district hospital.
Methodology
A quantitative and qualitative descriptive cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted on
women aged 21-65 years seeking health services in Uasin-Gishu Hospital. The study was carried
out between August 2012-June 2013. Data was collected through administration of
questionnaires, key informant interviews and focused group discussions. A randomly selected
sample of 168 respondents, one medical officer and 20 women who participated in focused
group discussions was used to obtain information for the study. Qualitative data was coded
through content analysis according to themes and quantitative data was analyzed using statistical
data analysis (Stata) version 12 software.
Results
There was a very low uptake of cervical cancer screening among the respondents, 8.8% reported
to have screened and 91% not screened. There was an association between knowledge of cervical
cancer symptoms and age [25-29 (p=0.03)] [30-34(p=0.001)], tertiary education (p=0.002) and
marital status (p=0.04). There was an association between knowledge of risk factors and tertiary
education (p=<O.OOI), salaried employment (p=0.03), and those respondents who had 1-4
children (p=O.OI). There was an association between knowledge of prevention strategies of
cervical cancer and secondary education (p=O.03), tertiary education (p=<O.OOl), and salaried
employment (p=O.OOl).
Conclusion and Recommendations
This study concludes that there is a very low turnout for cervical cancer screening among women
seeking health services in Uasin-Gishu Hospital and therefore, Health workers should provide
health education on cervical cancer and screening to all women seeking health services in all
health facilities.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Description
MSc Nursing