Awareness and Knowledge on Cervical Cancer Screening Services Among Women Aged 30-49 Years in Kitui West Sub-County

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women aged 30-49 years in Kitui west, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. The study population was women aged 30-49 years of age. A Multi-stage cluster sampling technique, simple random sampling, proportionate sampling and systemic sampling was used to obtain 270 respondents from the study population. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire to women aged 30-49 years in Kitui west sub-County. The study used quantitative research methods to obtain data from selected respondents. Quantitative data was collected using closed and open ended questionnaires. All interviews were done after obtaining approval from relevant bodies and consent from study respondents. Data from the respondents was analyzed using statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) in conjunction with Microsoft excel. The study used chi-square test calculated at 95% interval and a margin of 0.05% error to determine the relationship between dependent and independent study variables. Results: The results found out that Majority of the participants 145 (53,7%) were aware of the cancer screening. There was a no significant relationship (p =0 .054) between the awareness and cervical cancer screening services among women aged 30-49 years. The study established that, majority 152 (56.3) of the respondents had low knowledge on cervical cancer and there was an association between knowledge on warning signs (p=0.001) and prevention of cervical cancer (p=0.002) and utilization of cervical cancer screening services. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders should hold community awareness and sensitization programmes on benefits of PMTCT services to pave way for acceptance and hence use and prevent vertical and horizontal transmission of HIV. Outreach PMTCT services should be provided routinely needed to reach pregnant women with HIV-infection who reside farther away from the hospital. Patients also need to be continually encouraged to take treatment at their nearest treatment center.