Uptake and factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women aged 18–49 years at a public hospital in Coastal Kenya

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, data on cervical cancer screening is limited therefore hindering planning of targeted interventions. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women aged 18–49 years at a public hospital in Coastal Kenya.A cross-sectional design was used. Women attending outpatient departments were recruited using systematic random sampling and an interviewer-administered questionnaire administered (n = 315). Proportion of women reporting cervical cancer screening uptake was determined. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between cervical cancer screening uptake and sociodemographic characteristics.Overall, 56 (17.8% [95% CI: 13.7 – 22.5]) participants reported to have been screened for cervical cancer. Factors associated with cervical cancer screening uptake included older age (adjusted odds ratios, [95% CI], p – value: 2.3 [1.0 – 5.0], p = 0.034), secondary/tertiary level of education (3.3 [1.6 – 6.5], p < 0.001) and history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) (2.4 [1.2 – 4.7], p = 0.009).Uptake of cervical cancer screening was low. Intensifying education campaigns on cervical cancer screening especially among women who are young, uneducated and with no history of STI may help scale up cervical cancer screening uptake.