Publication: Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening and Associated Factors among Women in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Nepal causing highest
cancer mortality among women of reproductive age. However, it can be prevented
through early and regular screening.
Objective
To assess utilization of cervical cancer screening, its awareness and perception
among women, and associated factors.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted where 360 women of age 30-60 years were
randomly selected and interviewed from five administrative wards of Bhaktapur
municipality.
Result
Utilization of cervical cancer screening through Pap test or Visual Inspection with
Acetic acid was found in 32.2% women and 47.8% were aware of cervical cancer and
its screening tests. 100% of them had high level of perceived benefits and facilitators.
More than 80% of them had low level of perceived barriers and susceptibility.
Women of age group 51-60 years were more likely to perform the screening test
(AOR=13.14) whereas unemployed women were at higher odds of performing the
test (AOR=3.29). Women who were aware of cervical cancer and its screening were
more likely to perform the screening (AOR=53.65). Women having low level of
perceived barriers (AOR=5.83) and high level of perceived seriousness (AOR=6.67)
were more likely to perform the screening.
Conclusion
Only one third of women had performed Pap test/VIA and those who were aware
of cervical cancer and had high level of perception were more likely to perform the
screening. Thus, more rigorous and tailor-made awareness programs should be
developed by health program planners to increase the screening rate among younger
and working women.
KEY WORDS
Awareness, Cervical cancer screening, Perception, Utilization
Description
Nepal J,1 Poudyal AK,2 Duwal S,3 Gyawali S,4 Basel P5
1Department of Community Programs
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
2Central Department of Public Health
Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
3Department of Community Medicine
Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences
Bhandarkhal, Kathmandu, Nepal
4Oxford University Clinical Research Unit-NP
Patan Academy of Health Sciences
Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal
5Department of Community Medicine
Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine
Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Nepal
Keywords
Awareness, Cervical cancer screening, Perception, Utilization