Coverage and associated factors of cervical cancer screening among women in the general population in Zambia

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of cervical cancer screening among women in the general population in Zambia. Nationally representative cross-sectional data were analysed from 2,688 women 18-69 years old (median age 31 years) that took part in the “2017 Zambia STEPS survey”. The results indicate that 16.4% of the women reported that they had undergone ever undergone cervical cancer screening.
In adjusted logistic regression analysis, the age group 35-49 years old (AOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.44-2.62), having more than primary education (AOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.56), and having overweight or obesity (AOR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.06-1.78) were associated with ever having had cervical cancer screening. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, being employed and urban residence increased the odds for cervical cancer screening uptake. The
study showed that only about one in six women ever had a cervical cancer test, and several factors were identified that can assist in promoting cervical cancer screening in Zambia.

Key words: cervical cancer, screening, social factors, lifestyle, Zambia