ATTITUDE TOWARDS CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN 25-49 YEARS IN ENTEBBE MUNICIPALITY, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Denis Nsubuga; Maureen  Andinda; David Serunjogi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i6.333

Authors

Denis Nsubuga Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University.
Maureen Andinda Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University.
David Serunjogi Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i6.333

Keywords:

Cervical cancer screening, Entebbe Municipality, Women of childbearing

Abstract

Background:

The study aims to assess attitudes towards Cervical Cancer Screening and how they influence the likelihood of women accessing screening services in Entebbe Municipality.

Methodology:

The study used a cross-sectional study. Participants were chosen from each division using proportionate sampling, yielding a total of 246 participants in both divisions. Data from study participants were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collected data was cleaned, coded, and entered into an MS Excel spreadsheet 2013, after which it was exported to EPI-INFO Version 7 statistical software for Windows for analysis.

Results:

Respondents had a poor attitude which negatively influenced the uptake of cervical cancer screening. The majority would go for a cervical cancer screening test if given the chance (81.3%, 200%). 148 (60.16%) have never been encouraged by their partners or others to go for Cervical Cancer Screening, (68.29%, n=168) presented a neutral response concerning the affordability of Cervical Cancer Screening. (59.76%, n=147) mentioned screening is pleasant, not embarrassing and (56.50%, n=139) were neutral about the painful procedure for Cervical cancer screening. 68(27.87) of the respondents were Single, were married 150(61.48), 6(2.46) were Co- habiting, 17(6.97) were separated and 3(1.23) were Divorced. 28(28.13) had no formal education, 54(21.95) Primary, 128(52.03) Secondary and 44(17.89) had Tertiary level education.

Conclusions:

Women of childbearing age have not yet embraced and owned the responsibility and initiative to utilize and motivate their fellow women to utilize the available cervical cancer screening campaigns even though they know the associated benefits.

Recommendation:

Continuous sensitization of the community about the benefits of cervical cancer screening should be rolled out and maintained throughout the whole country while emphasizing reassuring women that the examination procedure will still protect their dignity and values.