Alone Isabirye

Predictors of cervical cancer screening uptake in two districts of Central Uganda

Uganda’s cervical cancer age standardized incidence rate is four times the global estimate. Although Uganda’s ministry of health recommends screening for women aged 25–49 years, the screening remains low even in the most developed region (Central Uganda) of the country. This study examined the demographic, social, and economic predictors of cervical cancer screening in Central Uganda with the aim of informing targeted interventions to improve screening. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wakiso and Nakasongola districts in Central Uganda. A total of 845 women age 25–49 years participated in the study. Data were analyzed at bivariate and multivariate levels to examine the predictors of CC (cervical cancer) screening. Only 1 in 5 women (20.6%) had ever screened for cervical cancer. Our multivariate logistic regression model indicated that wealth index, source of information, and knowledge about CC and CC screening were significantly associated with cervical cancer screening. The odds of cervical cancer screening were higher among rich women compared with poor women [AOR = 1.93 (95%CI: 1.06–3.42), p = 0.031)], receiving information from health providers compared with radios [AOR = 4.14 (95%CI: 2.65–6.48), p<0.001, and being more knowledgeable compared with being less knowledgeable about CC and CC screening [AOR = 2.46 (95%CI: 1.49–3.37), p<0.001)]. Overall cervical cancer screening uptake in central Uganda was found to be low. The findings of the study indicate that women from a wealthy background, who had been sensitized by health workers and with high knowledge about CC and CC screening had higher odds of having ever screened compared with their counterparts. Efforts to increase uptake of screening must address disparities in access to resources and knowledge.

Individual and intimate-partner factors associated with cervical cancer screening in Central Uganda

Intimate-partner factors have a significant effect on the uptake of services that affect maternal reproductive health outcomes. There is limited research on intimate-partner factors associated with cervical cancer screening. Therefore, this article examines the intimate-partner correlates of cervical cancer screening among married women in Central Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Wakiso and Nakasongola districts in Central Uganda. A total of 656 married women aged 25–49 participated in the study. Frequency distributions for descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-squared tests were done to identify the association of selected individual explanatory variables and intimate-partner factors with cervical cancer screening. Finally, multivariable complementary log-log regressions were used to estimate intimate-partner factors associated with women’s cervical cancer screening uptake in Central Uganda. About 2 in 10 (20%) of the participants had been screened for cervical cancer. The following characteristics when examined separately in relation to the uptake of cervical cancer screening service and were significant: woman’s age, education attainment, occupation, wealth index, parity, male partner’s age, and male partner’s emotional support. After adjusting for independent factors, cervical cancer screening was significantly associated with women who had; attained secondary (AOR = 2.19; CI 1.18–4.06) compared to none/ primary education, and received partner’s emotional support (AOR = 30.06; CI 13.44–67.20) compared to those who did not receive partner’s emotional support. In Central Uganda, cervical cancer screening among married women was significantly associated with women’s education, and partner’s emotional support. These factors point to the importance of intimate-partner factors. Therefore, more effort should be directed at encouraging men’s participation. This should be supplemented with empowering women through education to increase uptake of screening services.