Factors Affecting Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Services

Early cervical cancer screening can help to control the escalating numbers of women reporting to health facilities with advanced cervical cancer and its associated financial distresses. This study assessed the factors influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening services among women of reproductive age in Buwolya Village Mayuge District in Uganda. We adopted a descriptive cross sectional design in which quantitative approaches of data collection and analysis were used. Information was derived directly from women of reproductive age by use of structured interviewer guided questionnaires. Four Socio-demographic factors had a statistically significant influence on the up take of cervical cancer screening services in the population under study. Age of respondent influenced cervical cancer screening uptake (p = 0.021 X2 = 7.117) and so did the Marital status (p = 0.000 X2 = 15.784) Education level (p = 0.000 X2 = 27.249) and the number of children produced (p = 25.465 X2 = 0.000). This study indicated that uptake of cervical cancer screening by women in their reproductive age stands at 5%. This was so mainly because of misconceptions and myths associated with screening.