Factors Influencing Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women attending Maternal Child Health Services in Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- resource settings, where access to cervical cancer screening services in often limited. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the utilization of cervical cancer screening among women attending MCH at YRRH. Method: A cross-sectional design utilizing a mixed method of data collection (quantitative and qualitative) approaches was conducted among 422 women attending MCH at YRRH. Results: The findings showed that 12.3% of women had screened for cervical cancer. At bivariate levels, factors influencing screening utilization included limited use of contraceptive (p=0.001), not screening for STIs (p=0.001), living far from the health facility, (p=0.011) attaining tertiary and secondary education, (p=0.001 and p=0.040 respectively), being employed, (p=0.028), and income above and at median level p=0.005 and, p=0.006 respectively). At multivariate levels, attaining tertiary education was the most significant factor for cervical cancer screening utilization, (p=0.041). Women with tertiary education were 6.9 times likely to screen. Knowing the absence of screening equipment reduced the likelihood of utilization by 77%, (p=0.001). Not using contraceptives was associated with 72% likelihood of screening, (p=0.03). Non-smokers were 0.12 times likely to screening compared to smokers, (p=0.046) Conclusion: Finding from the study indicated a low level of cervical cancer screening among women, highlighting factors influencing cervical cancer screening utilization among women in YRRH. Recommendation: The study recommended for innovative way to reach out to communities with poor access to health care with the information about cervical cancer to improve the level of awareness. Key words: Influencing. Utilization, Cervical, Cancer, Screening, Women, Maternal, Child, Health, Services, Regional, Referral, Hospital