KNOWLEDGE AND UPTAKE OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN IN KIAMBU SUB-COUNTY, KIAMBU, KENYA

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% 7598 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.