Determinants Of Screening Patterns For Invasive Cervical Cancer Among Patients Attending Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya
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Date
2016
Authors
Maina, Lucy
Kigaru, Dorcus Mbithe D.
Korir-Rugutt, Anne
Agina, Okello
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Researchjournali
Abstract
Background: Early diagnosis and improved therapeutic interventions are the two-fold most acclaimed
management options for cervical cancer. Screening patterns are different from developing countries, Kenya
included where limited access to oncology screening facilities and stigma associated with cancer influence
disease reporting and management. Objective: To examine the determinants of screening and diagnosis among
cervical cancer patients attending Kenyatta National Hospital, the largest referral health facility in Kenya with
radiotherapy treatment clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional study design among 320 patients randomly selected
from Cancer Registry records and purposively selected hospital staff. A structured questionnaire was used to
collect data. Secondary data was sourced from medical records. Chi-square tests were used for significance at
P<0.05. Results: Lack of knowledge on cervical cancer (75.3%) was significantly associated with late diagnosis
(P=0.0023). Preponderance (83.1%) had no knowledge on screening tests prior to diagnosis while only 16.9%
were aware of Pap smear test. Education level was significantly associated with late diagnosis (P<0.0001).
Health system factors; delayed referral by local health facilities, delayed diagnosis at KNH, long waiting patient
list and conditions for accessing treatment compounded the problem. Conclusion: Routinely coordinated
mechanism for delivering cervical cancer information should be infused into screening and reproductive health
programmes
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Social Determinants, Cancer screening, Cancer diagnosis, Health care systems
Citation
Researchjournali’s Journal of Public Health Vol. 2 No. 11 November 2016