Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women Attending Health Facilities in the City of Bulawayo, 2012 (original) (raw)

Understanding the Low Level of Cervical Cancer Screening in Masaka Uganda Using the ASE Model: A Community-Based Survey

PLOS ONE, 2015

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women globally and its impact is mostly felt in developing countries like Uganda where its prevalence is higher and utilization of cancer screening services is low. This study aimed to identify factors associated with intention to screen for cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Masaka Uganda using the attitude, social influence and self efficacy (ASE) model. A descriptive community based survey was conducted among 416 women. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were computed using a generalized linear model with Poisson family and a log link using STATA 12. Only 7% (29/416) of our study respondents had ever screened for cervical cancer although a higher proportion (63%, 262/416) reported intention to screen for cervical cancer. The intention to screen for cervical cancer was higher among those who said they were at risk of developing cervical cancer (Adjusted prevalence ratio [PR] 2.0, 95% CI 1.60-2.58), those who said they would refer other women for screening (Adjusted PR 1.4, 95% CI 1.06-1.88) and higher among those who were unafraid of being diagnosed with cervical cancer (Adjusted PR 1.6, 95% CI 1.36-1.93). Those who reported discussions on cervical cancer with health care providers (Adjusted PR 1.2, 95% CI 1.05-1.44), those living with a sexual partner (Adjusted PR 1.4, 95% CI 1.11-1.68), and those who were formally employed (Adjusted PR 1.2, 95% CI 1.03-1.35) more frequently reported intention to screen for cervical cancer. In conclusion, health education to increase risk perception, improve women's attitudes towards screening for cervical cancer and address the fears held by the women would increase intention to screen for cervical cancer. Interventions should also target increased discussions with health workers.

Awareness of cervical cancer and willingness to participate in screening program: Public health policy implications

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, 2017

Sub-Saharan Africa concentrates the largest burden of cervical cancer worldwide. The introduction of the HPV vaccination in this region is urgent and strategic to meet global 2 health targets. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Mozambique prior to the first round of the HPV vaccine demonstration programme. It targeted girls aged 10-19 years old identified from schools and households. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted. A total of 1,147 adolescents were enrolled in three selected districts of the country. Most girls [84% (967/1147)] had heard of cervical cancer, while 76% believed that cervical cancer could be prevented. However only 33% (373/1144) of girls recognized having ever heard of HPV. When girls were asked whether they would accept to be vaccinated if a vaccine was available in Mozambique, 91% (1025/1130) answered positively. Girls from the HPV demonstration districts showed higher awareness on HPV and cervical cancer, and willingness to be vaccinated. This study anticipates high acceptability of the HPV vaccine in Mozambique and high awareness about cervical cancer, despite low HPV knowledge. These results highlight that targeted health education programs are critical for acceptance of new tools, and are encouraging for the reduction of cervical cancer related mortality and morbidity in Mozambique.

Perception and Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Female Healthcare Professionals nn Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

International Journal of Academic Health and Medical Research (IJAHMR), 2020

Background: Cancer of the cervix, though the only vaccine-preventable human cancer, remains the second most common cause of cancer mortality among women in low-resource countries. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the perception and uptake of cervical cancer screening among female healthcare professionals in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving self-administered questionnaire involving 244 participants sampled through stratified proportionate sampling method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and intergroup comparisons were done using chi-square test. A p<0.05 level of significance was considered adequate. Result: Most of the participants were nurses 135(55.3%), followed by doctors 63(25.8%), pharmacists 18(7.4%), laboratory scientists 13(5.3%), radiographers 11(4.5), and physiotherapists 4(1.6%). The mean/SD age of the participants was 30 ± 8 years. 242 (99.2) were aware of CC while 240(98.4) were aware of CCS. 137(56.1%) while 169 (69.3%) had positive perception about CCS. Only 48 (19.7%) of the respondents had ever undergone CCS. The most common screening method used was Pap smear 40 (16.4%). Conclusion: the female healthcare professionals demonstrated a high level of awareness and positive perception but negative disposition towards cervical cancer screening.

Utilisation and Perceptions of Cervical Cancer Screening Services

Cervical cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed and the fourth commonest cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Even though cervical cancer is preventable, its screening rate has been reported to be low in Ghana. To the best of our knowledge, no study has focused on the utilisation and perceptions of cervical cancer among women in their reproductive age in Ghana. The present study aimed at assessing the utilisation and perceptions of cervical cancer screening services among women who seek reproductive healthcare services. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among women aged 18 years and above. Using a two-stage sampling technique, 369 participants were selected from 2 out of 4 eligible study sites. Data on the perceptions and utilisation of cervical cancer screening services were collected following ethical approval. The data were collected using both English and Twi versions of the questionnaire. The data were descriptively and inferentially analysed. A few of the participants had been previously screened for cervical cancer (n = 69; 18.7%), while a greater proportion of the participants appropriately perceived the screening benefits (>70%), and an equally greater percentage of them harboured negative perceptions which prevented them from engaging in such endeavours (>80%). Significant differences in perception were, however, observed in two-fifths of the studied areas (6/14) among the screened and unscreened participants. Cervical cancer screening services were not utilised by the majority of the participating women. Screening was associated with socio-demographic characteristics such as marital status, parity, education and employment status. Inappropriate perceptions on cervical cancer screening may account for the low utilisation of cervical cancer screening. Therefore, all-inclusive health education on the benefits of cervical cancer screening for both women and men should be a priority for stakeholders and all health organisations.

Factors Associated with Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women Aged 18-49 Years in Njiru Sub-County, Nairobi Kenya

Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 2016

Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern in developing countries including Kenya, where it is currently ranked the highest cause of cancer deaths. Early detection of cervical cancer using Pap smear provides an appropriate way of prevention which, would in turn lead to a decrease in incidence and mortality. This study aimed at assessing the awareness, perceptions, reproductive and sexual practices influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening among women aged 18-49 years in Njiru Sub County, Nairobi County. Two hundred and forty seven women participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and focused group discussion (FGD). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19.0. Descriptive statistics were used to give proportions and frequencies. Pearson's chi square (χ2) was used to test for associations among variables and differences were considered statistically significant at p≤0.05. The mean age of the respondents was 30.7±1.18 years. Most (32%), of the respondents were aged 25-29 years. Majority (96.4%) of the respondents in this study were Christians and most (68%) of them were married. Approximately fifty percent of the study respondents had primary level education followed by secondary (38.9%), tertiary (8.9%) and no formal education 2.4%. About 46% of the respondents were self-employed. Approximately eighty five percent (211/247) of the study respondents were aware of cervical cancer and had commonly (36.4%) obtained their information from media followed by health talks (34.8 %). Of those who were aware 25.6% (54/211) reported cervical cancer to be caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Most 43.6% (41/94) of the respondents who had ever been screened perceived the cervical screening procedures as uncomfortable followed by 24.5% (23/94) who perceived it as embarrassing. Majority 52.1% (49/94) of those who had been screened reported to have not received any support from their partners. More than ninety percent 94.7% reported that cervical cancer screening was very useful in the prevention of cervical cancer. The factors associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening were awareness (p≤0.035), opinion about cervical screening (p≤0.000), cervical screening usefulness (p≤0.006), frequency of having cervical screening done (p≤0.000) and partner support (p≤0.000). There is need to improve public awareness by educating women on the risk factors associated with cervical cancer and benefits of cervical screening through health talks and promotions, mass media awareness. Health professionals and healthcare workers should take the opportunity to educate and encourage women attending health facilities for other health problems to undergo cervical cancer screening. There is need to include men in education on cervical cancer especially sexual partners/ spouses so that they can encourage their spouses/partners in terms of moral and material support to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening.

Perceived Barriers to Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women of Childbearing Age in a Gynaecological Clinic

Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing

Introduction Cervical cancer is an important reproductive health problem for women in the developing countries where it constitutes 13% of all female malignancies. It is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and 83 percent of the world's 500,000 new cases and 85 percent of the 288,000 cervical cancer deaths occur in developing countries. Evidences show that women attending various health facilities were not routinely screened for cervical cancer. Gynaecological clinics present an important access to target group for cervical cancer screening. This study assessed the barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening services among women attending a gynaecological clinic of a tertiary health i a tertiary health facility in South West region of Nigeria, the most populous black country of the world. Methodology Adopting a descriptive cross-sectional approach and Health Belief Model (HBM), women aged 15-49 years attending gynaecological clinic at the health institution were interviewed. The respondents were selected using systematic random sampling technique and interviewed using a specially designed structured questionnaire. Barrier to uptake of cervical cancer screening services was defined as significant when the number of the respondents in the "agree" and "strongly agree" domains to the selected reasons for not screening for cervical cancer are at least 50%. Results Of the 100 respondents interviewed, 85 responses were found suitable for analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 33.3 (SD±8.6) years. Although a large proportion of the respondents (77.1%) were aware of cervical cancer, 95.2% with at least secondary education and 51.9% earning at least ₦50,000/month, only 23 (27.1%) had undergone the screening for cervical cancer. Age > 44 years and earning > ₦100,000/month were positively and significantly associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening. The significant reasons for not screening for cervical cancer by the respondents were Lack of information/counselling (77.4%), Lack of convenient clinic time (62.9%), Fear of having a positive result (61.3%), Lack of support from partners and significant others is a barrier (56.5%) and Attitude of health workers discourage women from assessing cervical cancer screening (51.6%) Conclusion It can be concluded from this this study that there is need for need for regular information on cervical screening at every opportunity for the populations that will benefit from this preventive service like women of reproductive age group attending our obstetric services. There is an urgent need for provision of more screening opportunities especially the type that will have population coverage and to leverage on other programmes like family planning services, post-natal clinic services and HIV/AIDS programmes. Screening services should be available in all secondary facilities and primary health care centres. Reminder/Recall services should be in place to ensure compliance with appointments in order to increase utilization

Awareness, perception and factors affecting utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women in Ibadan, Nigeria: a qualitative study

Reproductive Health, 2012

Background: Over the years awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening services has remained poor in developing countries. Problems associated with cervical cancer incidence include late reporting, ignorance and cultural issues relating to cervical cancer screening. This study sought to explore the awareness, perception and utilization of cervical cancer screening among women in Ibadan as well as factors that influence utilization. Method: This is a qualitative study that utilized Eight Focus Group Discussions to collect information from women in selected health facilities in Ibadan, South West, Nigeria. The 82 participants were purposely recruited from women attending Antenatal clinics in 4 secondary and 4 primary health care facilities after approval was received from the Institutional Review Board in charge of the facilities. The focus group discussions were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed into themes. Findings: The study provided qualitative information on the awareness, perception of the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women in Ibadan. Participants were mainly married women (92.7%), mean age =27.6, SD =4.5, mainly traders (39%) and from Yoruba ethnic backgrounds (87.8%) and had secondary education (39%). The respondents reported not being aware of cervical cancer and were not utilizing the services. Though they did not know what cervical cancer screening entailed or the screening methods, they still believed that it is important since like for other diseases will help in early detection and treatment. The participants were eager to get more information from nurses on cervical cancer about cervical cancer screening. The major factors identified by the women that influence screening utilization were ignorance, Illiteracy, belief in not being at risk, having many contending issues, nonchalant attitude to their health, financial constraint and fear of having a positive result. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for more enlightenment about cervical cancer especially by health workers. Also, cervical cancer services should be made available at very affordable cost so that women can easily access the services in order to reduce incidence of invasive cancer.

Health and Medicine Vlora womens and cervical cancer screening: a study of awareness and barriers

In the absence of the national cervical screening programme, cervical cancer is diagnosed in the last stage, therefore incurable with high prevalence in deaths. Little is known about the current situation regarding cervical cancer knowledge, awareness and prevalence of screening among women. This cross-sectional study, descriptive and analytical, with the use of conceptual framework Health Belief Model (HBM) will be trying to understand and identify possible perceived susceptibility, reasons, benefits, barriers and cues to action that might explain why women don't get a regular gynecological examination. A structured self administered questionnaire from March to May 2014 was used for the data collection. The participants were 200 woman range 25-65 years old with different socioeconomic and educational level that worked in several public institutions and private enterprise in Vlora city. The number of women ever screened was higher and not significant with educational level. Poor...

Predictors of cervical cancer screening practice among HIV positive women attending adult anti-retroviral treatment clinics in Bishoftu town, Ethiopia: the application of a health belief model

BMC Cancer

Background: Cervical cancer is a global public health problem and the second most common cancer causing morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. Few available evidences revealed that despite distribution and severity of cervical cancer among HIV-positive women and the ease with which it can be prevented, cervical cancer screening practice in Ethiopia among them is considerably low. Thus, this study aims to assess predictors of cervical cancer screening practice among HIV-positive women by applying health belief model concepts. Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bishoftu. Data was collected from 475 women who visit the health facilities for anti-retroviral services using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Champion's revised Health Belief Model sub-scales were used as data collection tools containing sources of information, knowledge, perception on cervical cancer screening and cervical cancer screening practice as variables. Frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to describe findings. Multi-variable logistic regression and 95% confidence intervals were considered to identify predictors of cervical cancer screening practice by controlling possible confounders. Results: Cervical cancer screening practice among HIV-positive women in this study was 25%. Health proffesionals were the main sources of information about cervical cancer and its screening. There was a difference between the 'ever' and 'never' screened groups in mean scores of their perceived severity, perceived benefit, perceived barrier, perceived self-efficacy, perceived threat and net-benefit towards screening (P < 0.05). Perceived self-efficacy (AOR 1.24, 95%CI 1.13-1.37), perceived threat (AOR 1.08, 95%CI 1.05-1.12) and perceived net-benefit (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.12, 1.24) were the predictors of cervical cancer screening practice. Conclusions: Cervical cancer screening practice in this study was lower than that of the recommended coverage of the target group by the national guideline (80%). This finding has an important implication for public health intervention aimed at cervical cancer prevention. Morever, womens' perceptions on cervical cancer screening had a significant influence on the utilization of cervical cancer screening service. Therefore, educational programmes geared towards severity of the case, availability of screeningand helpfulness of being screened can significantly improve the uptake of cervical cancer screening.

Beliefs and Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening by Female Health Care Workers in Saudi Arabia Using the Health Belief Model: A Nationwide Study

International Journal of Women's Health

Epidemiologically, cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among females globally and the third most commonly diagnosed gynecological cancer in Saudi Arabia. Screening is an important measure to prevent it. The current study aimed to assess, epidemiologically, female healthcare workers' (HCWs) utilization of cervical cancer screening services and its association with their beliefs about cervical cancer and the screening test, as well as their personal characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study included female HCWs in Saudi Arabia. A predesigned, self-administered survey was used to collect data, and it included questions about sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics, self-utilization of cervical cancer screening services, and the Health Belief Model (HBM) scale. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of cervical cancer screening service utilization. Results: A total of 1857 females participated. The cervical cancer screening test uptake was 24.6% of ever-married females. However, 45% of the participants were willing to have the test. The odds of utilizing a screening were significantly higher among older participants, those with a higher level of education, and those with a higher number of pregnancies. Furthermore, HCWs with a history of HPV infection, cervical cancer in the family, hormonal contraception, or immunocompromised diseases were more likely to have the screening. An increase in the mean scores of the perceived benefits and motives subscales of HBM was associated with an increase in the uptake of screening. However, an increase in perceived barrier scores was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of cervical cancer screening uptake. Conclusion: Low cervical screening uptake and slightly higher intentions to have the test exist among HCWs. Certain personal factors and health beliefs significantly affect the utilization of the screening test. Approaches that target perceived benefits, health motivation, and perceived barriers to improve the screening rates of cervical cancer among HCWs are recommended.