Factors Influencing the Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening among Female Doctors and Nurses in Kenyatta National Hospital

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess factors influencing the uptake of cervical cancer screening among female doctors and nurses in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Kenya. To achieve this cross-sectional study was conducted in KNH between January 2019 and April 2020.

Methodology: Stratified random sampling method was used to select 271 nurses and 39 doctors from a population of 1400 nurses and 301 doctors. Data was collected through a structured close ended questionnaire. Chi-square test of homogeneity was used to determine the association between cancer screening uptake and demographic factors. A multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationship between the determinants (factors) of uptake of cervical cancer screening that included availability of procedures, cost of procedures, time, the attitude of HCW, awareness of procedures, religion, age, culture, multiple sexual partners.

Results: Findings revealed that 97.5% (n = 272) are aware of cervical screening with most of the participants (95.3%, n = 266) indicating that they have been screened for cervical cancer before. PAP tests and HPV DNA tests were noted to be the most used screening methods. The majority of the participants (14.7%, n = 41) indicate that the major benefit of the cancer screening programs is enhanced early detection/ treatment/care, followed by general awareness on cervical cancer (35, 12.5%). Findings further revealed that the health workers who have ever heard about the vaccine were reported to have higher uptake of cervical cancer screening (Chi=32.158, p = .05, n =262).

Conclusion: Our study identified that lack of adequate health infrastructure and resources is a well-recognized barrier to screening in Kenya.