Awareness of Cervical Cancer among Women in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Globally, cancer is a public health problem and is ranks as the fourth most frequent cancer among women.About half a million women develop invasive cancer of the uterine cervix each year, with more than 85% occurring in low-income countries. This study assessed cervical cancer awareness on among women in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya.A house hold survey was conducted among women of reproductive age (18-49 years) in Uasin Gishu County. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, interview schedules and focus group discussions. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to generate statistical parameters like mean, standard deviation, etc. The X2 test was used as a test of significance and multiple logistic regression analysis with odds ratio at 95% confidence interval was utilized. Majority of the participants, 91.4% (n=363) had heard about cervical cancer with the main source of information being from the media 38.2% (n=136).Although majority 73% (n=229) were able to identify how cervical cancer is transmitted, only 24% (n=86) correctly identified HPV as the causative agent of cervical cancer. Vaginal bleeding was identified 40.5% (n=162) as the common sign and symptom of cervical cancer. 83.3% (n=280) reported that anyone who had ever had sexual contact qualified to be screened. Though majority 83.7% (n=304) indicated willingness to go for cervical cancer screening, actual practice was low at 35.5%. Though there was adequate knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer, the same did not translate into practice. This was attributed to the general negative attitude towards cervical cancer control interventions