Factors influencing cervical cancer screening among pregnant women in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

To characterize cervical cancer screening knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, and sociodemographic factors among women aged 25-45 years who access and utilize prenatal care services in Nairobi, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional design using a convenience sample of pregnant women receiving prenatal health services at a public and a private hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Constructs from the Health Belief Model (HBM) guided the design, interpretation of the results, and recommendations. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine associations between variables. There was a significant association (p=0.001) between knowledge and screening behaviors. There was no association (p=0.066) between cervical cancer beliefs (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy) and screening behaviors. Knowledge and beliefs influence cervical cancer screening behavior. Low cervical cancer screening uptake substantiates the need for tailoring culturally specific health behavior change communication to address misconceptions about cervical cancer screening in Kenya.