CORRELATES OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING UPTAKE AMONG WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV AT EMBU COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KENYA

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer screening has been shown to reduce the time to disease detection and significantly improve overall management outcomes. This study aimed to assess factors influencing the uptake of cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women seeking care at Embu County Referral Hospital, Kenya.
Methodology: The study used an analytical cross-sectional design with a mixed-methods design approach. Systematic random sampling was employed. Chi-square tests guided bivariate analysis, and significant variables (p ≤ 0.05) were modeled using binary logistic regression.
Results: The study evaluated 149 women, and of these (n=59,39.6%) had sought cervical cancer screening services. Study findings showed that participants with tertiary education were 16.3 times more likely to seek cervical cancer screening (OR = 16.3, 95% CI = 2.809–95.118, p = 0.002). Those knowledgeable about cervical cancer were 4.5 times more likely to utilize screening services (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.091– 5.532, p = 0.001). Multiparous women had similarly increased odds (OR = 4.5, 95%
CI = 1.085–5.583, p = 0.002). The absence of a cervical cancer history significantly reduced screening uptake by 57% (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.176–0.837, p = 0.05).
Conclusion: Uptake was significantly higher among women with tertiary
education, knowledge about cervical cancer, and multiparity, while the absence of a cervical cancer history reduced the likelihood of screening. To improve uptake, health education campaigns, community outreach, and counseling programs should be strengthened, with a focus on raising awareness and targeting women with low risk perception or limited education.