PRACTICE OF WOMEN AGED 25-49 YEARS IN RELATION TO CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN ENTEBBE MUNICIPALITY, WAKISO DISTRICT, UGANDA.  A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Denis Nsubuga; Maureen  Andinda; Wilber Ssembajjwe; David  Serunjogi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.332

Authors

Denis Nsubuga Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University.
Maureen Andinda Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University.
Wilber Ssembajjwe Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
David Serunjogi Non-Communicable Diseases Theme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.332

Keywords:

Cervical cancer, Screening, Human papillomavirus , Uganda

Abstract

Background:

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among Ugandan women of reproductive age. Unfortunately, despite the evidence of methods for prevention, most of the women remain unscreened. In addition, current estimates indicate that 6,413 Ugandan women are diagnosed annually with 4301 deaths. The main purpose of this study was to investigate practice in relation to Cervical Cancer Screening among women aged between 25-49 years in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district.

Method:

This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed practices in relation to Cervical Cancer screening among women aged between 25-49 years in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District; Proportionate sampling was used to select 246 participants from each division for interviews. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the study participants. Collected data was cleaned, coded, and entered in MS Excel spreadsheet 2013 and it was then exported to EPI- INFO Version 7 statistical software for Windows for analysis. The study findings were then presented using tables, graphs, and charts

Results:

Only 17.07% of Women in Entebbe Municipality had screened for Cervical Cancer. 76.7% screened only once, 38.88% screened because of awareness that is created, and 30% screened during outreaches.

Conclusion:

Cervical cancer screening is still low among women in Entebbe Municipality thus leading to poor actual practice.

Recommendation:

There is a need to further educate women and the general public on the availability and need for Cervical Cancer screening.

Author Biographies

Denis Nsubuga, Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University.

Completed a Master of Public Health- Health promotion from Uganda Martyrs University, Pursued a Bachelor of Social Sciences from Makerere University.

Currently working with the Medical Research Council & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine serving as a researcher and Community Engagement role with different stakeholders at all levels.

Wider knowledge and experience in the field of research implementation and public community engagement and Involvement

Co-authored several published manuscripts and contributed to documentation under the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School Hygiene and tropical medicine

Maureen Andinda, Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University.

Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University.

Wilber Ssembajjwe , Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Statistician at Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

David Serunjogi, Non-Communicable Diseases Theme, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

(BBLT & MPH-Uganda Martrys University, IMPS-University of Washington, NIHR IHCoR Africa: Introduction to Hypertension Research- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, LSHTM) works at the NCD theme at MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit.