Factors Influencing the Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening among Female Doctors and Nurses in Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern globally, yet it is largely treatable through screening and early detection. Healthcare workers play an important role in promotion of screening habits, and a suboptimal uptake in screening remains a course for concern. The study objectives were to determine the prevalence of cervical cancer screening among female doctors and nurses, to determine the socio economic factors influencing the uptake of cervical cancer screening among female doctors and nurses and to identify any facilitators or barriers influencing the uptake of cervical cancer screening among female doctors and nurses at the Kenyatta National Hospital. To achieve this, a cross sectional study was conducted among female doctors and nurses in KNH and data was collected using structured close ended questionnaires, with a randomly stratified sampling method employed for participant selection. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version 22 alongside use of chi square tests and ANOVA to establish relationship between dependent and independent variables. The study population was the female doctors and nurses working at KNH. A total of 310 healthcare workers participated, comprising 271 nurses and 39 doctors. The study found a high awareness (97.5%) and uptake (95.3%) of cervical cancer screening among participants, with the Pap test and HPV DNA test being the most utilized methods. Enhanced early detection, treatment, care, and general awareness were identified as primary benefits of screening programs. Factors contributing to uptake included procedure availability and cost, while fear of the screening procedure was a common barrier. Improved knowledge of cervical cancer was cited as crucial for understanding screening benefits, with inadequate health infrastructure and resources recognized as barriers. Association analysis revealed significance between screening uptake and participants' age, knowledge about cervical cancer, and awareness of the vaccine. Correlation and multiple regression analyses indicated a strong positive relationship between independent and dependent variables. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square tests of homogeneity supported the significance of findings. The study highlights the need to enhance infrastructure and implement programs bridging healthcare workers and the population. This will enhance awareness among female healthcare workers and may improve the screening uptake behaviors. The study recommendations include Ministry of Health interventions by adopting hospital-based initiatives and policy driven interventions to encourage regular screening.