Knowledge and health system factors influencing utilization of cervical screening services among sex workers in Kiambu County Hotspots, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: sex workers are more prone to acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases that incorporate Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Less than 10% of sex workers in developing countries are screened for cancer of the cervix annually. In Kenya, majority of sex workers present with advanced/invasive disease. Methods: the study adopted a multistage sampling technique and 418 sexual workers were interviewed and data analyzed using Statistic Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine possible associations between predictor variables and cervical cancer screening uptake. This was done using Pearson´s Chi Square. Association was considered significant when p-value is equal to 0.05. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis. Results: the results indicated that awareness of cancer of cervix (CaCX) (p=0.0001) and HCW attitude (p=0.040) were significant association with Cervical Cancer Screening (CCS) uptake. Conclusion: healthcare providers should generate a systematic sensitization program on what is involved in the screening process and the number of times to be screened so as to address some fears by clients who find the whole process a mystery. This may increase screening uptake especially with the preference for hospital healthcare talks.