Factors affecting cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment at selected public hospitals in the Mombasa County

Abstract

This research study is about factors affecting cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment at the Mombasa County. The study was undertaken to examine the factors that affecting cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment at the Mombasa County. Four healthcare facilities were studied. A descriptive cross sectional study was done using stratified sampling method. Data was collected among healthcare workers using structured questionnaires. The key informants were interviewed using the structured interview guide. The quantitative data from the study was coded and entered into the computer for analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Chi-square used for testing hypothesis. The study findings revealed that healthcare workers are deficient in knowledge on cervical awareness and treatment. The cost of diagnosis and treatment was also high to majority of the patients since majority could not afford to pay for their treatment. The healthcare facilities were also inadequate according to the study making the situation worse. From the findings it was concluded that healthcare workers awareness on cervical cancer is low; that the cost of cervical cancer treatment is high and majority of patients cannot afford it; similarly, majority of the health care institutions have inadequate facilities. Based on these findings was therefore recommended that more awareness need to be created among the healthcare workers. The cost of treatment should be reduced through government policy. Finally, the upgrading of healthcare facilities within the County was recommended.