Knowledge Level of Cervical Cancer Screening and Screening Methods among Women Aged 21-50 Years in Meru South District, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

The cervical cancer ranks as the first cause of female cancer and the first most common female cancer in women. It is also the first leading cause of cancer deaths in women aged 15 to 44 years in Kenya. Despite the introduction of cervical cancer screening and control programmes in Kenya, the burden of cervical cancer is still high. This study therefore sought to determine the knowledge level of cervical cancer screening and screening methods among women aged 21-50 years in Meru South District, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. A crosssectional descriptive study composing of 40 women aged between 20 and 50 years was carried out. An interview guide was used to collect data which was transcribed to Microsoft Excel 2017 Software. The findings indicated that awareness of cervical cancer as a disease was overwhelmingly high at 90%. As well, 75% of the women knew that it is quite possible to prevent development of the debilitating cervical cancer. However, specific content knowledge of cervical cancer and screening, which is critical, was annoyingly low despite the tremendous efforts of cervical cancer awareness creation. To mention but a few, only 10 women (25%) were able to identify true risk factors of cervical cancer with only 5% (2) identifying two precise risk factors. Only 30% were able to highlight a Pap smear and HPV test as tests for cervical cancer. The cause of cervical cancer (human papilloma virus) was only identified by 17.5% (7) of the respondents. The study concluded that mere awareness of existence of cervical cancer did not translate to higher uptake rate. Many women in Tharaka Nithi County have no specific knowledge about cervical cancer. Therefore, a lot has to be done to counter the hindrances to utilization of screening services. There is need to enhance the health education with regards to cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. More should be done on informing the public/general women population through social platforms, barazas, media, etc., about cervical cancer cause, mode of transmission, prevention, risk factors, treatment modalities and possible complications. This action will promote one’s decision to go for screening since she is fully informed.