Factors influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening among women who are seeking family planning services: case study of Kawempe National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern and early screening plays a crucial role in its prevention and early detection. The study aimed to find out the factors influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening among women who are seeking family planning services in Kawempe National Referral Hospital. The specific objectives were: To find out the relationship between demographic factors and uptake of cervical cancer screening. To establish the relationship between socio-economic factors and uptake of cervical cancer screening. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study based on quantitative data collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The sample of the study was 138 women determined using the formula Kish Lesile (1965) and data was analyzed using SPSS. The majority of respondents (49.2%) had attained ordinary level education and (77.54%) were married. Majority of the respondents (32.6%) were protestants and 45(32.6%) were in the age bracket of 24-29. The study found out that uptake of CCS by the respondents was 43.5%. Women with age 18-23 years were 0.014 times less likely to go for CCS than those with 48-53 years and it was statistically significant. However, religion, level of education, marital status, attitudes of health workers, gender barriers, cost of CCS, access to CCS programs and health infrastructure were not factors that influence cervical cancer screening. To address the challenges and improve cervical cancer screening uptake, the study recommends that age of women needs to be a priority, as it enables early CCS and detection of the disease hence early treatment leading to reduction in loss of lives. The government should increase sensitization about early CCS among women especially women above age 18-23 years. Further research should be carried out on factors influencing uptake of CCS using larger samples in order to generalize conclusions on the relationship between uptake of CCS and the factors in the study. By implementing these recommendations, the study aims to contribute to improved cervical cancer prevention and early detection among women seeking family planning services, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and reduced cervical cancer-related mortality.