Factors influencing cervical cancer screening uptake among the women in Maesot, Tak province, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most significant public health issues in Thailand. The number of women who have had cervical cancer screenings has increased over time; however, if major obstacles are not addressed, it will become challenging to maintain this success. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the magnitude and factors influencing cervical cancer screening uptake among women in Maesot, Tak Province, Thailand. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Maesot, Thailand. A structured questionnaire was used. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the magnitude of the cervical cancer screening uptake and associated factors. The association was described with an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) at the statistically significant level of p-value < 0.05. Results: Of the total 422 women, the average age was 38.82 ±8.46 years. Nearly one-fourth of the respondents were Thai nationals. Almost 70% of respondents were married, and 80% were employed. About one-third of respondents had a high school level of education. The magnitude of Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake (CCSU) was 13.27% (95% CI: 10.34-16.86). Age ≥ 40 years (AOR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.05-4.40), Christian and having others religion (AOR=2.19,95% CI:1.08-4.44), married between 26 years to 43 years (AOR= 2.93, 95%CI: 1.45-5.93), having good knowledge of cervical cancer (AOR= 4.70, 95%CI: 2.22-9.72), and having good knowledge of cervical cancer screening program (AOR= 6.58, 95%CI: 2.82-17.77) were significant predictors of cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: Cervical cancer screening among women in Maesot is lower than that of national coverage of Thailand. Determining factors for the decision to undergo cervical cancer screening uptake include age, religion, age of marriage, knowledge of cervical cancer and knowledge of cervical cancer screening program. To improve uptake, structured screening programs need to be implemented in collaboration with national partners and institutions to decrease the incidence of cervical cancer in Thailand.