Abstract:
Background- Cervical cancer is major public health problem worldwide, worsening in the
developing world including Sub-Saharan Africa. And cervical cancer screening has been
consistently shown to be effective in reducing the incidence rate and mortality from cervical
cancer. But very few of eligible women undergo cervical cancer screening. Therefore
knowing their practice on screening for cervical premalignant lesions is the key to
prevention of overt carcinoma of the cervix.
Objective: To assess the level of utilization of screening service for cervical cancer among
currently married women in Arba Minch Town
Methods: Community based cross sectional study design was conducted among randomly
selected 680 currently married women. Data was collected from February 20-March 2, 2015
by using structured interviewer administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS Version
Descriptive statistics was used to describe the status of study population and multivariable logistic regression was used to see predictors of screening service utilization.
Result; Among 236, (47.4%) were knowledgeable. Among 643, 53.8% have positive attitude
towards cervical cancer screening. Of 224, only 38(5.9%) of the respondents get screened.
The most common reason (60.02%) for non-utilization was being healthy. The odds of ever
screening for CA was 60 times higher for those who agree on Severity to cervical cancer than
those who dis-agree Severity to cervical cancer [AOR= ( . The odds of ever
screening was times lower for those who had <5children than those who had >=5
children [AOR= ( ) The odds of ever screening was 3.599 times higher for
those who with average monthly income>=1170 than those who with average monthly
income <1170 (AOR=3.599(1.223, 10.593).The odds of ever screening was 8.181 times
higher for those who age >=30 yrs. than those who age <30 yrs. [AOR= 8.181(3.107,
) .
Conclusion and Recommendations; only few of the respondents get screened with majority
mentioned for non-screening as being healthy. Among variables age of the respondent,
perceived severity to cervical cancer, parity & average income were independently associated
with ever screening for cervical cancer screening. There is a need for creating awareness &
intensifying health education provision on cervical cancer screening in the town & need to
influence perceptions by targeting the women.
