Uptake and correlates of cervical and breast cancer screening among women in Jordan: National results of the 2017-2018 population and family health survey

Abstract

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of cervical and breast cancer screening among women in the general population in Jordan. Nationally representative population-based cross-sectional data were analysed from 14,689 women (34 years median age, range 15-49) that took part in the “2017-18 Jordan Population and Family Health Survey”. Information about cancer screening uptake included Pap smear, clinical breast examination, and mammography. Results indicate that the prevalence of ever Pap smear cancer screening was 15.3%, clinical breast examination in the past 12 months 13.9% and ever mammography 8.7%. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age, higher wealth, greater media exposure and tobacco use were positively and being Syrian, and living in the southern region were negatively associated with ever Pap smear, clinical breast examination in the past 12 months, and ever  mammography. In addition, high decision-making power was associated with the uptake of Pap smear and higher education was  associated with ever mammography uptake. The study showed a low cancer screening uptake, and several factors were identified that can assist in promoting cancer screening in Jordan.