Factors Influencing the Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women Aged 15-49 Years in Komamboga Parish, Kawempe Division, Kampala District .

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a public health issue that kills at least 250000 women every year: 80% of women who die come from under developed countries (WHO 2009). Objective: To identify the factors which influence the utilization of cancer screening services among women of child bearing age 15-49 years in Komamboga parish, Kawempe division. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with researcher administered questionnaires and key informant interview as methods of data collection from 200 respondents. Descriptive, bivariate analyses were undertaken in SPSS and frequency tables, graphs, pie charts, and p values were generated using Epi Data software. Results: Majority(49%) of the respondents were within the age brackets of 25 to 34. 13% of the 200 respondents who participated in the study reported history of having been screened for cervical cancer. Socio economic factors like employment status, income level, individual factors like received risk of acquiring cervical cancer, parity and health facility factors like sex of health service providers have been attributed to influence the uptake of cervical cancer screening services. Conclusion. Up take of cervical cancer screening services among women who participated is still low and this has been attributed to a number of factors which include socio economic factors. Recommendations. Basing on the findings of the study, the researcher makes a number of recommendations. The media should be sensitized on the severity of cervical cancer and the importance of early and routine screening.