International Research Journal of Oncology

Aims: The study sort to determine factors influencing the uptake of cervical cancer screening services among rural women aged 18-69 years in Webuye East Sub-County, Kenya.

Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study design.

Place and Duration of Study: Webuye East Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya, between December 2018-March 2019.

Methodology: The study adopted a quantitative data collection technique to a target population of 125 rural women aged 18-69 years.

Data on social demographics and social-cultural factors, level of uptake, level of awareness and health care facility factors influencing cervical cancer screening variables were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were verified, coded, and analysed with SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were analysed and presented in tables. Chi-square tests were carried out to determine the link between categorical variables.

Results: The use of screening facilities for cervical cancer was found to be low at 26% (33/125). On the overall, the study showed a significant relationship between age [p=0.05], women with insurance cover [p=0.00] and income [p=0.01].

Conclusions: Cervical cancer screening is low women in the study area. The study concludes that there is a significant/potential possibility of improving women’s participation in cervical screening if regular best practices are embraced.

Recommendations: The study recommends that Women enrol in health insurance schemes to ensure that they access screening services together with enhancing community awareness on cervical cancer.