A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING PRACTICES IN REPRODUCTIVE-AGE WOMEN.

Bullu Priya  Oraon; Shashi Bala  Singh

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1095

Authors

Bullu Priya Oraon Senior Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Shashi Bala Singh HOD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Rajendra Institute of Medical sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1095

Keywords:

Cervical Cancer, Screening Practices, Reproductive-Age Women, Healthcare Provider Invitation, Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Abstract

Background

Cervical cancer is still a major worldwide public health problem. Early identification can result in prompt interventions and lower death rates. The objective of the study was to find out what factors affect women of reproductive age's cervical cancer screening (CCS) habits.

Methods

The study included 260 volunteers in all, ages 15 to 49. A pre-tested structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic traits, knowledge, attitudes, invitations from healthcare providers, aspects of sexual and reproductive health, and CCS practices was used to gather data. To evaluate relationships between variables, descriptive statistics, adjusted odds ratios, and bivariable logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

The study showed that 72.5% of participants had heard of cervical cancer, with 58.1% correctly identifying its association with HPV. However, only 41.2% were aware of cervical cancer screening methods, though 76.9% expressed willingness to undergo screening if recommended. Approximately 54.6% received healthcare provider invitations for screening, among whom 68.3% underwent screening. Nearly half (48.5%) reported a history of STIs, with only 22.3% having undergone previous CCS. Barriers to screening included lack of awareness (38.1%) and fear of the procedure (29.5%).

Conclusion

Factors influencing CCS practices among reproductive-age women include awareness, healthcare provider invitation, and history of STIs. Healthcare provider invitation significantly influenced screening uptake, highlighting the importance of provider engagement in promoting screening services.

Recommendations

Targeted interventions should focus on enhancing awareness, addressing barriers, and increasing healthcare provider engagement to improve CCS uptake among reproductive-age women.