Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among Healthcare Providers in Siaya County, Kenya

Abstract

Context: Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in Kenya and the second most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age. Cases of cervical cancer among health professionals have equally been on the rise.

Aim: This study sought to establish the proportion of healthcare providers who have undergone cervical cancer screening and examine individual and health system predictors that influence cervical cancer screening uptake among healthcare providers.

Methods: The study was conducted in Siaya County hospitals and adopted analytical cross-sectional study design. Quantitative data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire from 186 healthcare providers working at six level four hospitals in Siaya County. In addition, key informant interviews were conducted involving the in charge (6 healthcare providers) of the six hospitals selected. SPSS software version 28 was used for statistical analysis of quantitative data at 95% CI; p = 0.05. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done for all the independent variables with p < 0.02 in the model to determine predictors of uptake of cervical cancer screening. Qualitative data were organized into themes and coded according to the study objectives.

Results: The results show that only 77.4% of the healthcare providers had gone for the screening. There was a significant association (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2 – 0.8; p = 0.009) between age and uptake of cervical cancer screening. Further results showed that perceived susceptibility (OR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1 – 0.6; p = 0.003) and self-efficacy (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1 – 0.6; p = 0.0008) significantly associated with the uptake of cervical cancer screening services. As for the health system predictors that influence the uptake of cervical cancer screening, availability of transportation (OR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.5 – 13.2; p = 0.004) and acceptability (OR: 5.0; 95% CI: 1.7 – 15.0; p = 0.001) had a significant association with the uptake of cervical cancer screening services. 

Conclusion: Only 77.4% of healthcare providers have been screened for cervical cancer. Perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, availability of transportation, and acceptability were the main predictors of uptake of cervical cancer screening services. The study recommends routine awareness and sensitization programs about cervical cancer screening among healthcare providers on special days.