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Main Article Content
Perceptions of risk and barriers to cervical cancer screening at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Kenya
Abstract
Objectives: Determine the perceptions of risk and barriers to previous cervical cancer screening by women attending MCHFP clinic of MTRH, Eldoret, Kenya.
Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey involving a consecutive sample of 219 consenting non-pregnant women about perceptions on cervical cancer risk, barriers to screening and previous screening.
Results: Of 219 women interviewed, 12.3% of participants had screened before. Women of over 30 years were more likely to have screened before (p=0.012). While 22.8% felt that they were at risk of the cervical cancer, 65% of all participants, nevertheless, wished to be screened. Perception of being at risk was significantly associated with a felt need for screening
(p=0.002), an association that persisted only for women reporting multiple lifetime sex partners (p=0.005). Fear of abnormal results and lack of finances were the commonest barriers to screening reported by 22.4% and 11.4% of respondents, respectively.
Conclusions: Previous screening was uncommon. Cheaper screening methods are needed. Messages about screening should clarify the meaning and consequences of possible results.
