Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: May | Volume: 12 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 352-363
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20220539
Structural Determinants Influencing the Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services among Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) in Isiolo County
Florence M. Munoru1, Ngari D. Mugambi2
1Department of Nursing: Karatina University 1957-10101, Karatina Kenya
2Department of Nursing: Karatina University 1957-10101, Karatina Kenya
Corresponding Author: Florence M. Munoru
ABSTRACT
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women and the leading cause of deaths among women worldwide. Preventable approaches like screening for the disease which have been instituted by the various governments have not been fruitful and the uptake has remained lower than the targeted levels. In Kenya, much research has been carried out, strategic planning and formulation of policies have been put in place but cervical cancer screening uptake rates are at 3.2% which is far below targeted 70% uptake. In the year 2017, Isiolo County had two thousand out of 22,558 women of reproductive age (WRA) who had been screened for the disease. This translates to 7.8% compared to the national target of 70%. Thus, the objective of this study was to establish the structural determinants affecting the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women of child bearing age in Isiolo County. A descriptive research design was adopted with a sample size of 87 clients derived from WRA seeking reproductive health services in the family planning clinic, Antenatal clinic and Maternity Unit of Isiolo County Referral Hospital (ICRH). Additionally, 66 nurses working at the referral hospital also participated in the study since they were the primary health care providers. A scheduled interview was conducted and questionnaires were used for both the nurses and clients. The instruments’ validity was checked by experts in nursing while their reliability was determined by use of Cronbach alpha. Data obtained was analysed for both descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Qualitative data was analysed and the results presented by use of tables, graphs and narratives. From the findings of the study the main structural determinants identified included distance to the facilities. Nearly a half 42.7% of the WRA were living over the 5 km recommended distance from health care facilities. In addition, 68.7% of the nurses were not trained on the cervical cancer screening services. Other structural factors included shortage of nurses and lack of diagnostic pathological tests, specialized x-rays and cancer treatment options. The study revealed that structural determinants affected utilization of cervical cancer screening services thus more focus should be instigated to improve cervical cancer screening.
Key words: Cervical Cancer, Structural Determinants, Screening.