Uptake of cervical cancer screening services among nurses working at Thika Level 5 Hospital

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the second commonest type of cancer among women globally, an estimated 270000 women die annually due to cervical cancer with 85% of this deaths occurring in Sub-Saharan African countries. Nurses are largely involved in screening and treatment of cervical cancer. Studies done in some countries have indicated low utilization of cervical cancer screening services by nurses. According to the National guidelines for prevention and management of reproductive system cancers, the situation of cervical cancer is worse in Kenya with a rate of 2454 new cases and mortality of 1676 annually
Objective: To determine the proportion of nurses screened for cervical cancer at Thika Level 5 hospital
Design: A descriptive cross sectional study design; A systematic sampling technique was used where every 2nd nurse was selected from the sampling frame; data were collected using a semi structured questionnaire. The study was conducted at the Thika Level 5 hospital. Ethical clearance was obtained from Mount Kenya University and Thika Level 5 Hospital. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Population: The study targeted all nurses working at Thika Level 5 Hospital.
Outcome Measures: The percentage of nurses screened as per the National guidelines was low.
Results: There was a positive correlation factor of (0.33) between knowledge and screening status showing a positive upwards relationship Conclusions: There was low uptake (41%) of cervical cancer screening services mainly due to inadequate knowledge on prevention strategies.
Recommendations: Nurses should be encouraged to take the initiative and be screened for cervical cancer.