Level of Knowledge Determining Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Service among Women Aged 25-49 Years
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol6iss3pp22-33757Keywords:
Level of knowledge, cervical cancer screening service utilizationAbstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with approximately 570,000 new cases reported in 2018. In Kenya, cervical cancer accounts for about 5,250 (12.9%) new cancer cases annually and contributes to approximately 3,286 (11.84%) cancer-related deaths. Cultural practices and beliefs play an important role in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases such as cervical cancer. The World Health Organization emphasizes cervical cancer screening as a critical strategy for early detection of precancerous cells and eventual elimination of the disease among women. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Maternal and Child Health clinic of Kitengela Sub-County Hospital among women aged 25–49 years. Semi-structured researcher-administered questionnaires were used to assess knowledge levels influencing the utilization of cervical cancer screening services. A sample size of 194 participants was determined using Fisher’s formula and selected through systematic random sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and means. Knowledge levels were categorized as high, moderate, or low using Modified Bloom’s cut-off points. The response rate was 92.3% (n=194). Most respondents (85.6%) had heard of cervical cancer screening, mainly from healthcare workers (53.6%). However, only 22.2% had ever undergone screening. Moderate knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors was reported by 35.6% of respondents, while 32% had low knowledge. Additionally, 52.6% had low knowledge of screening methods. Despite relatively high awareness of cervical cancer, utilization of screening services among women attending Kitengela Sub-County Hospital remains low.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sarah Naneu Daniel, Mary Wanjira Kamau, Emmah Matheka
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