Abstract:
Background: Despite cervical cancer being highly preventable, screening rates in Ethiopia remain alarmingly low. Previous studies have identified various factors, including socio-demographic, individual, reproductive health, and attitudinal issues, have been identified as barriers to cervical cancer screening. However, comprehensive studies on the practices and acceptability of cervical cancer screening in Ethiopia remain scarce.
Objective: To assess cervical cancer screening practice, and associated factors among women attending gynecology outpatient department (GOPD) and maternal and child health (MCH) in public hospitals in Ambo Town, Central Ethiopia in 2024
Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 20 to December 20, 2024, among women visiting GOPD and MCH clinics in Ambo Town’s public hospitals. A total of 407 participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected via Kobo Toolbox and analyzed using logistic regression. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were computed, and variables with a p-value < 0.2 were included in the multivariable logistic regression model to identify predictors of cervical cancer screening practice.
Result: Out of 407 women study participants, only 43 (10.6%) were screened for cervical cancer (10.6%, 95% CI: 7.6%-14.0%). Educational status (AOR = 5.41; 95%CI = 1.72–17.05), had only single sexual partner (AOR=0.587,95%CI(0.31-1.1), history STI (AOR=3.15,95%CI(1.46-6.81) Knowledge status (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.02–4.12) and Having a positive attitude to cervical cancer screening (AOR= 3.6,95%CI(1.73-7.6) were significantly associated with the practice of cervical cancer screening.
Conclusion: The utilization of cervical cancer screening services in Ambo Town public hospitals was far below the WHO recommendations. There is a critical need to raise awareness about cervical cancer screening among eligible women at health facilities and within the community to improve screening acceptance and practice
