Male Involvement in Partner’s Cervical Cancer Screening Services in Makueni County, Kenya
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Date
2024-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Introduction: Malignant cervical cancer affects the lowest portion of the uterus. Globally,
it is the fourth cause of cancer deaths, and in Kenya, it is ranked as the second cause of
cancer-related deaths among females. Men are crucial in minimizing cervical cancer
burden. However, there is limited information on the determinants of their involvement in
cervical cancer screening in Makueni County, Kenya. The research aimed to establish
determinants of the level of male involvement in their partner’s cervical cancer screening.
The study’s significance was in identifying barriers and facilitators to male involvement in
their partner’s cervical cancer screening so that stakeholders might intervene.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study obtained data quantitatively and
qualitatively. The study was done in Mbooni Sub-County Level 4 hospitals. Study
participants were married men aged 18-64 years. The hospitals were selected through
purposive sampling, and respondents through a simple random sampling. The Key
Informants were selected through a total sampling technique. Study variables were
knowledge, socio-cultural, economic, and hospital-related factors. Respondents’ data was
collected through open and closed-ended questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with
key informants. Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as
measures of frequency, central tendency, and dispersion. Inferences were drawn from Chi
squares, Fisher’s Exact, Likelihood ratio, and logistic regression. Qualitative data was
analyzed through codes and themes. Results: Men’s involvement in their partner’s cervical
cancer screening was low (82%). All knowledge factors were associated with the level of
involvement (p=<0.05). Socio-economic factors such as education (p=0.000) and
employment (p=0.04) were significantly associated with the level of male involvement in
their partner’s cervical cancer screening. Socio-cultural factors such as beliefs, practices,
norms, myths, and misconceptions were linked to the level of involvement (p=<0.005).
Hospital-related factors such as service availability, presence of signages, and cost were
significantly associated with the level of male involvement in their partner’s cervical
cancer screening (p<0.005). The logistic regression model done on significant variables
was statistically significant, X2
(22, N =262) = 91.043, p = 0.00. The model explained 48.9
% of the variance in men’s involvement (Nagelkerke R2) and correctly classified 82.8 %
of cases. From the logistic regression, the significant predictors of high men involvement
were knowledge of risk factors for cervical cancer (OR = 3,274, 95% CI [1.073,
9.991],p=0.037), knowledge on whether cervical cancer can be prevented (OR = 3.414,
95% CI [1.043, 11.177],p=0.042), the knowledge that duration for cervical cancer
screening is below 10 minutes(OR = 3.718, 95% CI [1.160, 11.920],p=0.027), an
understanding that men have a role in cervical cancer screening(OR = 4.550, 95% CI
[1.307, 15.844],p=0.017), and the notion that cervical cancer occurs in those who abort
(OR = 4.121, 95% CI [1.015, 16.728],p=0.048). Conclusion: Male involvement in cervical
cancer screening was low. There is a need to intensify health education for all men to
improve their knowledge and dispel myths and misconceptions about cervical cancer and
its screening. All facilities should ensure continuous availability of free services and create
awareness of the availability of such services.
Description
Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Master of Science (Oncology Nursing) in the Department of Community Health and Reproductive Health Nursing School of Health Sciences at Kenyatta University, May 2024.
Supervisors
1. Lister Onsongo
2. Eric Ndombi