Women’s Awareness and Factors Affecting Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is an important public health problem globally and in Ghana. Cure rates are high if the condition is diagnosed early. Screening plays a role in early diagnosis, but uptake of screening is low in Ghana. Aims: To examine women's awareness and factors affecting utilization of cervical cancer screening services in the Ejisu-Juaben municipality of Ghana.        Materials and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at Juaben, Ejisu and Onwe Government Hospitals in the Ejisu-Juaben municipality of Ghana, January to June 2015. Tools: Data were collected using closed structured questionnaires. 395 questionnaires, based on completeness were analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge level and the uptake of cervical cancer screening services. Results: Only 7.8% of the women surveyed had screened for cervical cancer.  86.8% had not heard about cervical cancer screening and 86.8% had no idea of the place to access cervical cancer screening services. 88.4% of the women had no knowledge of cervical cancer and compared to women with low knowledge of cervical cancer, having a good knowledge of cervical cancer was associated with higher odds of cervical cancer screening (aOR [adjusted odds ratio], 95%CI; 7.56, 2.36-24.14). Women who were 35years or older had lower odds of utilizing cervical cancer screening services compared to those who were younger (aOR, 95%CI; 0.19, 0.05-0.68). Conclusion: The awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening are very low in the Ejisu-Juaben municipality of Ghana. Recommendation: Interventions to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening should be implemented so as to improve access to the service in Ghana.