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.