| dc.description.abstract | Introduction
The study investigated the factors influencing the uptake of breast cancer screening services among women of reproductive age (15-45years) in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district. The specific objectives of the study were; i) to determine the prevalence of breast cancer screening among women of reproductive age(15-45years) in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district, ii) to identify the socio-demographic factors that influence the uptake of breast cancer-screening among women of reproductive age (15-45years) in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district, iii) to determine the socio-economic factors that influence the uptake of breast cancer-screening among women of reproductive age (15-45years) in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district, and iv) to identify the health-care service factors that influence the uptake of breast cancer-screening among women of
reproductive age (15-45years) in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district.
Methodology
A cross sectional study design was carried out in Entebbe Municipality on physically and mentally sound women aged 15 to 45 years, some who had screened and others
never screened for breast cancer. However for those below 18years of age, their parents/guardians had to consent on their behalf before participating in the study. Using both self-administered and research administered questionnaires, a total of 336 respondents were sampled using purposive sampling technique.
Results
Of the 336 respondents, 262 (78.0%) had never screened before and only 74 (22.0%) had screened of breast cancer. The socio-demographic factors of; age (X2 = 13.607, p = 0.001), marital status (X2 = 13.938, p = 0.007) and education (X2 = 22.290, p = 0.000) were significantly associated with uptake of breast cancer screening services.
The socio-economic factors of ; occupation status (X2 = 12.767, p=0.002) and income per month (X2 = 28.582, p = 0.000) were significantly associated with uptake of breast cancer screening services. The healthcares service factors; the nearest place where one
could receive breast cancer screening services or information if needed (X2 = 8.213, p =
0.004), barriers that prevent women from going for breast cancer screening services (X2
= 30.889, p = 0.000) and what was ones’ experience during the screening process (X2
= 3.249, p = 0.000) were also associated with uptake of breast cancer screening services.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The proportion of women in their reproductive age who had undertaken any form of breast cancer screening in Entebbe Municipality was low at 22.0% and the rest had never screened before. Socio demographics; age, marital status, education, socio-economic; occupation status, income per month and healthcare services were the major factors influencing breast cancer screening uptake in Entebbe Municipality.
The researcher recommends that the Ministry of Health should diversify health education on breast health issues in all public health facilities or hospitals so as to emphasis more on health education sessions on breast health issues, put guidelines for all health workers on breast cancer examination and regular follow up by health workers to ensure compliance. In addition, intensify advertisements on breast cancer and screening through media houses such newspapers, radios, televisions and billboards to bring about increased awareness, sensitization to increase uptake of screening services | en_US |
