📄 Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Kenya, although the incidence is high, screening uptake remains low. Aim: This study examined how perceived risk, socio-cultural, and health system factors influence cervical cancer screening uptake among women aged 25?49 in Thika Sub-County, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 285 women was conducted using structured interviews. Data were analyzed using correlation and chi-square tests. Results: Perceived risks such as multiple sexual partners (?² = 35.117, p < 0.01) and belief in the fatality of cervical cancer (?² = 19.601, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with screening uptake. Socio-cultural influences?religious beliefs (r = 0.248), cultural perceptions (r = 0.249), and family influence (r = 0.313)?also impacted uptake. Health system factors, including program availability (?² = 49.172, p < 0.01), sensitization by providers (?² = 52.143, p < 0.01), and access (?² = 9.896, p = 0.019), showed strong associations with screening behavior. Conclusion: A multifaceted approach involving community education, health system strengthening, and culturally sensitive outreach is essential to enhance cervical cancer screening rates in Kenya.
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📚 How to Cite:
Fridah Nkatha Kathurima, Lily J.A. Masinde, Consolata M?mayi , INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED RISK, SOCIO-CULTURAL, AND HEALTH SYSTEM FACTORS ON THE UPTAKE OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING SERVICES AMONG WOMEN AGED 25-49 YEARS IN THIKA SUB-COUNTY , Volume 11 , Issue 5, may 2025, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra21714