Factors Influencing utilization of cervical cancer screening services among nurses at Rubaga hospital, Kampala:

Abstract

Introduction Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, and the seventh overall with an estimated 528,000 new cases in 2012. Majority of the global burden (around 85%) occurs in less developed regions where it accounts for almost 12% of all female cancers (WHO, 2014).Cervical cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death (50,300) in African women. This study aimed at determining the factors influencing utilization of cervical cancer screening services among female nurses at Rubaga Hospital. Methods A cross sectional descriptive study design was used. Questionnaires were distributed to 138 nurses in various departments at Rubaga hospital. 136 completed questionnaires were returned resulting in a response rate of 98.6%. The age range of the sample was 20-60 with a mean age of 34.85. Results This study has established that utilization of cervical cancer screening services (Pap smear test) by nurses at Rubaga hospital is low (22.8%). Among sociopath-demographic factors, age, parity and marital status have statistically significant association with undergoing a Pap test. Nurses in this study seem to disagree with the idea of male service providers at cervical cancer screening points. A positive Perception on adequacy of screening equipment can be a major boost on utilization of cervical cancer screening services by nurses. Conclusion and recommendations More efforts should be made by management at Rubaga hospital to encourage active utilization of cervical cancer screening services by nurses. In addition programs should be initiated to serially target young age nurses and women in the general population.