Prevalence,barriers And Facilitators Of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Attending Gynaecology Outpatient Clinics In Nairobi County

Abstract

Background Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Nairobi. Screening of this cancer facilitates early detection, prompt treatment and consequently reduces mortality. Although 76% of women in the general population in Nairobi have heard of cervical cancer, only 14 % have had a cervical cancer screening exam.This study sought to explore the utilization of screening servicesand the barriers leading to this discrepancy in uptake. No studies focusing on the gynaecology clinics had been done before. Objective To determine the prevalence, barriers and facilitators ofcervical cancer screening in selected gynaecology outpatient clinics in Nairobi County. Methodology This was a descriptivecross-sectional study that was conducted at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Mbagathi District Hospital and Mama Lucy County Referral Hospital in Nairobi County. The study included 220 women aged 21 to 65 years who were attendingselectedgynaecologyclinics, as well as three key informants per clinic randomly chosen from the clinical staff. Recruitment was done through multistage sampling and an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire used to collect data. Results The overall prevalence of cervical cancer screening was 39.6%. Mama Lucy was highest at 41.7%, Kenyatta at 40.3% and Mbagathi lowest at 32.0%.The main cervical cancer screening barriers reported by patients included fear of unfavourable results (51.8%), lack of awareness (48.2%) and fear of the procedure (26.4%). Provider barriers mainly included unavailability of screening materials and equipment, shortage of staff and long waiting periods before getting results. The main facilitators to screening were a recommendation by a health care worker, a family history of cervical cancer and being HIV positive. Conclusion The prevalence of cervical cancer screening is low inthe selected gynaecology clinics in Nairobi County. There is an urgent need to provide health education about cervical cancer by health facilities as well as remove the barriers hindering access and provision of cervical screening services.