Abstract:
Background: In Kenya, cervical cancer accounts for 12% of all cancer cases and is
also the leading cause of cancer deaths. However, evidence on uptake and
knowledge levels is limited. It is against this background that this study was
carried out.
Objective: The study sought to assess knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer
screening among women aged 15-54 years in Kiambu sub-County.
Design: Analytical cross-sectional study.
Setting: Kiambu sub-County in Kiambu Kenya.
Subjects: Women aged 15-54 years residing in Kiambu sub-County.
Main outcome measures: Age, knowledge, uptake, screening and associated factors.
Materials and Methods: An in-person administered questionnaire was used for
data collection. Data was analyzed using STATA software to generate descriptive
and inferential statistics. Binary logistic regression was used for all bivariable and
multivariable analyses to identify factors associated with knowledge on cervical
cancer and screening.
Results: 391 women participated in the study. Uptake of cervical cancer screening
was 101 (25.8%). The majority 315 (80.56%) of the study participants had good
knowledge on cervical cancer and screening. Those who had a tertiary level of
education (AOR 0.45; 95% CI 0.25-0.81; p=0.01), and being a Muslim (AOR 0.13; 95%
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EAST AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL
November 2024
0.02-0.84; p=0.03) were significantly associated with knowledge on cervical cancer
and screening.
Conclusion: Generally, uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in
Kiambu sub-County was low. The knowledge levels on cervical cancer screening
were generally good. The factors associated with knowledge on cervical cancer
screening included tertiary level of education and being a Muslim.
