Utilization Of Screening Services Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Market Women towards Papanicolaou Smear Screening in Abakaliki Metropolis

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide and the most common cancer among women in developing countries including Nigeria. The estimated incidence in Nigeria is twenty-five out of a hundred thousand women. In most developing countries, poor public health awareness has contributed to the late diagnosis of the disease and poor clinical outcomes. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of market women towards Papanicolaou smear screening in Abakaliki metropolis. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study Result: The result showed that 42.48% of the 306 market women have heard about cervical cancer, and 46.85% of them (143 women) knew of cervical cancer screening. There was a fairly positive attitude towards pap smear screening as 69.28% of the 306 women said they would do the screening if made available. However, the practice was poor as only 4.93% (15 out of the 304 women) had done Pap smear screening for cervical cancer, all of whom were women with tertiary level of education. This study establishes that the Attitude was good as 69.28% agreed they would do the test. While the level of Knowledge of cervical cancer screening was poor (46.85%), the Practice was much poorer as only 4.93% of the respondents ever had cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: There is good knowledge but poor attitude and practice of market women towards Papanicolaou Smear Screening in Abakaliki Metropolis. Public Health awareness and education must be encouraged and sustained to increase the utilisation of pap smear screening services at all levels of healthcare to enhance the prevention and/or diagnosis of cervical cancer especially among market women in Abakaliki Metropolis.

Barriers and facilitators for universal gestational diabetes Mellitus screening in a low resource setting: a cross-sectional study in Sri Lanka

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes and increased risk of developing diabetes in later life. Sri Lanka adopted universal GDM screening at two time points in pregnancy (before 12 weeks and between 24 and 28 weeks) in 2014 and its utilization has not been assessed. This study assessed the utilization of GDM screening services and associated factors among antenatal mothers in Southern Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a consecutive sample of 420 postpartum mothers who delivered at three major hospitals in Sri Lanka. Data were collected on socio-demographics, pregnancy, availability and utilization of screening services and logistics using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a data record sheet. Data was analysed using SPSS software. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between variables. The coverage of first and second screening tests were 91.4% and 94.5% and timeliness were 72.4% and 59.5%, respectively. The median period of amenorrhoea at the first and second screening were 10.0 (inter-quartile range: 2.5) weeks and 28.0 (inter-quartile range: 1.5) weeks. A higher utilization was associated with higher income (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1–10.5) and planned pregnancy (OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 2.2–10.7) for the first screening test. Primiparity (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9) and proximity of the nearest laboratory (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.0–12.0) were positively associated with the second screening test. The timeliness of both screening tests was associated with planned pregnancy (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1-4.0 and OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–4.5) and being non-employed during the pregnancy (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4–4.3 and OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3–4.1). A high utilization of GDM screening was observed. Timeliness should be ensured through improved availability and accessibility of screening facilities.

Correlates of Intention to Utilize HIV Screening Services Among Adolescents In Selected Secondary Schools In Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria

Background The spread of HIV/AIDS among the productive age group particularly young adults is a major public health concern in Nigeria. HIV screening services are affordable interventions that offer chances to raise knowledge about HIV and preventive measures. They are crucial parts of HIV prevention initiatives. This study investigated the level of knowledge, and attitude as correlates of intention to Utilize HIV Screening Services Among Adolescents in Selected Secondary Schools in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods Data were collected from 120 respondents who were conveniently selected from two senior secondary school at the two Local government areas in Osogbo, Osun state with semi-structured questionnaire (83% reliability). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Results Most of the students were in the middle adolescence (14 – 16 years) age group. The Knowledge responses were grouped on a scale and the results showed that most of the adolescents had a moderate level of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and HIV Screening Services. Further results showed a fairly high and positive attitude for the participants (76.66%). There were significant correlations (at p < 0.05) between knowledge level (R = 0.348), attitude (R = 0.432), and Intention to Utilize HIV Screening Services. These factors are still quite modest, though. Additionally, knowledge level indicated that most participants were unaware of any importance of the utilization of HIV Screening services. Conclusions The report suggested launching vigorous campaigns of public health education and awareness that highlight the importance of utilizing HIV Screening services.

A ten-year overview of cancer genetic family history screening in Georgia's Latina population.

Population-based cancer genetic family history (FH) screening to identify families at high risk for BRCA-associated cancers has been endorsed by national public health policies. This report aimed to describe the utilization of FH screening services from 2013 to 2022 according to rurality and socioeconomic deprivation among Latinas in Georgia. Women who attended a medical appointment at participating Georgia Public Health Clinics were invited to complete FH screening. Screening results and participant zip code were reviewed. Area deprivation index (ADI) was measured at the census block group level and dichotomized (more deprived and less deprived). Rurality was measured through Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes and dichotomized (urban and rural). The ADI and RUCA codes were linked to participant data by zip code to characterize FH utilization among the Latina community. Of the 9,330 adult Latinas in Georgia that completed cancer genetic FH screening, 9,066 (97.17%) women screened negative, and 264 (2.83%) screened positive (i.e., FH suggestive of higher risk for carrying BRCA1/2 mutations compared to the general population). Screening completion was higher among Latinas in urban areas (n = 7,871) compared to rural areas (n = 1,459). Screening completion was also higher in more socially deprived areas (n = 5,207) compared to less socially deprived areas (n = 4,123). Georgia's FH screening program reached Latinas across Georgia, particularly those living in urban, socially deprived areas. To ensure equitable cancer genetic screening dissemination, future efforts should prioritize tailored outreach in rural regions and comprehensive evaluations to identify key determinants of screening trends among Georgia's Latina population.

Integrated cervical cancer screening uptake and associated factors among women attending primary care services at public health centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional study

BackgroundCervical cancer (CC) is a major health problem in Ethiopia. Integrated healthcare approaches have been suggested as a way to increase access to and utilisation of screening services. Limited data...

Abstract A147: A ten-year overview of cancer genetic family history screening in Georgia’s Latina population

Abstract Introduction: Population-based cancer genetic family history screening to identify families at high risk for BRCA-associated cancers has been endorsed by national public health policies. This report aimed to describe the utilization of family history screening services from 2013 to 2022 according to rurality and socioeconomic deprivation among the Latina community in the state of Georgia. Methods: Self-identified Latina women who attended a medical appointment at participating Georgia Public Health Clinics were invited to utilize the cancer genetic family history screening services. Screening results and participant zip code were reviewed. Area deprivation index (ADI) was measured at the census block group level and assessed as a dichotomous variable (more deprived and less deprived). Rurality was measured through Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes and was assessed dichotomously (urban and rural). The ADI and RUCA codes were linked to participant data by zip code to characterize genetic service access among the Latina community. Results: We found 9,330 (3.31%) adult Latinas in Georgia completed cancer genetic family history screening from 2013-2022. In this sample, 9,066 (97.17%) women screened negative, and 264 (2.83%) women screened positive (i.e., family history suggestive of higher risk for carrying BRCA1/2 mutations compared to the general population). The family history screening program reached Latinas in 16 of 18 public health districts in Georgia. However, family history screening completion varied significantly across the 16 districts (mean=327 women, range: 2 - 1,337). FH screening completion was higher among Latinas in urban areas (n=7,871) than Latinas in rural areas (n=1,459). Latinas who lived in more socially deprived areas appeared to have a higher number of screening completion (n=5,207) than those living in less socially deprived areas (n=4,123) due to interaction with urbanicity. Conclusions: Georgia’s family history screening program was able to reach Latina women across the state of Georgia, particularly those living in urban, socially deprived areas. To ensure equitable cancer genetic screening dissemination, future efforts should prioritize tailored outreach in rural regions and a comprehensive evaluation to identify key determinants of screening trends among Georgia’s Latina population. Citation Format: Dayanna A. Ramírez León, Lauren E. Barber, Sheryl Gabram-Mendola, Cindy Snyder, Susan Vadaparampil, Lindsay Fuzzell, Lauren E. McCullough, Lynn Durham, Yue Guan. A ten-year overview of cancer genetic family history screening in Georgia’s Latina population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A147.

Uptake of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among HIV positive women attending adult art clinic at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022

BackgroundCervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in Ethiopia and first in some African countries. It is six times more likely to occur in positive cases of the human immunodeficiency virus than in the general population. If diagnosed and treated early enough, cervical cancer is both treatable and preventable. However, among Ethiopian women who test positive for HIV, the uptake of cervical cancer screening is low. Its determinant factors were not well studied in the study area. Hence, this study was aimed at filling this information gap.ObjectiveTo assess uptake of cervical cancer screening services and associated factors among HIV-positive women attending an adult antiretroviral treatment clinic at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, June 1–30, 2022.MethodsA cross-sectional investigation was carried out in a hospital. 407 participants in all were chosen using the systematic sampling technique. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from respondents. The data were entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval and p value < 0.05 were used to estimate the strength and significance of the association.ResultAmong a total of 407 respondents, 238 (58.5%), 95% CI (53.5–63.3), HIV-positive women were screened at least once in the last five years. In multivariable analysis, age > 45 years old (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.053–0.644), number of children (3 children) (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI:0.036-0.979), perception of being susceptible to cervical cancer (AOR = 6.39, 95% CI: 1.79–22.74), knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening (AOR = 19.34, 95% CI: 7.87–47.75), and positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening (AOR = 8.06, 95% CI:3.62–17.91) were significantly associated factors with the uptake of cervical cancer screening.Conclusion and recommendationin this study, Age > 45 years, having less than three children, feeling susceptible, knowing about cervical cancer and screening, and having a positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening were significant factor of uptake of cervical cancer screening service. There is a need to strengthen the policy and health education on safe sexual practices and healthy lifestyles through information dissemination and communication to scale up screening service utilization.

Knowledge, attitude and practices around breast cancer and screening services among women of reproductive age in Turbo sub-county, Kenya

BackgroundOnly 12% of Kenyan women use breast cancer (BC) screening programs. Early detection is critical for reducing the condition's associated morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, few studies have been conducted on the screening program's implementation and the causes for the low usage rates in Turbo Sub-County, Kenya. The purpose of this study was to learn about women of reproductive age's (WRA) practices, attitudes, and knowledge regarding BC screening programs, as well as to investigate the potential association between lifestyle factors and BC screening service utilization. MethodsMixed-method approaches were used in an analytical cross-sectional study design. The study included 317 participants selected randomly. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data while focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview (KII) guides were used for collecting qualitative data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to manage quantitative data, whereas NVivo version 12 was used to analyze qualitative data. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the degree of relationship between BC screening service uptake and independent variables. The qualitative data was transcribed verbatim, and the transcripts were automatically coded to generate themes. ResultsThe participants' mean age was 30.14 (9.64). Breast cancer screening services were used by 10.21% of the population. Women who were aware of the signs and symptoms of BC were 71.5 times more likely to undergo screening than their counterparts. Similarly, those with positive attitudes toward BC and screening programs were 84 times more likely to get screened than those with negative attitudes. Breastfeeding increased the likelihood of BC screening by OR = 37 (95% CI: 0.00–0.32), physical activity by OR = 37 (95% CI: 0.00–0.25), and chronic illnesses by OR = 37 (95% CI: 0.00–0.17). ConclusionKnowledge of signs and symptoms of BC and a positive attitude towards perceived barriers enhanced the probabilities of BC screening. Being physically active, breastfeeding, and having a chronic disease all increased the odds of BC screening uptake. To improve screening rates, it is necessary to provide sufficient information to those who are least likely to be screened.

Cervical cancer screening utilization among HIV-positive women in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract Background: The enhanced risk of cervical cancer among women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) stems from the close association between HIV and increased rates of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Detecting pre-malignant lesions early through screening is crucial, as cervical cancer is preventable. Identifying these lesions promptly could potentially save many women’s lives. Objective: This study aimed to assess the utilization of cervical screening services among women attending an HIV clinic in Edo State, Nigeria. Specific objectives included examining awareness levels, utilization rates, and potential barriers to access. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at an institution and involved HIV-positive women attending an HIV clinic from August 2022 to July 2023. The study utilized a convenience sampling method with a sample size of 370 participants. Data reliability, deemed adequate at 0.781, was data reliability of 0.781 obtained was adequate for the study utilized. Analysis was performed, and findings were presented using frequency tables. Hypotheses were tested using χ2 at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The participants’ mean age was 38.25 ± 4.51 years, with an average age at menarche of 15.12 ± 3.56 years, age at first intercourse at 18.21 ± 3.41 years, and years of HIV status at 7.11 ± 2.12 years. The mean duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was 6.72 ± 5.21 years. One hundred ninety-one individuals (51.6%) reported awareness of screening, while 65 (17.6%) had undergone screening. There was a significant association between awareness of screening and its utilization. (P &lt; 0.001 removed). Among the 305 participants who had not undergone screening, 261 (85.6%) expressed willingness to do so. Barriers to cervical cancer screening included fear of the results (257 participants, 84.3%), financial constraints (200 participants, 65.6%), absence of symptoms (240 participants, 78.3%), and lack of motivation (289 participants, 94.8%). Conclusion: The study findings indicated insufficient awareness among participants and low utilization of screening services. As a result, it is recommended that enhancing healthcare workers’ abilities to promote cervical cancer awareness and encourage adherence to screening within this population is crucial to boost uptake.

Utilization and associated factors of cervical cancer screening service among eligible women attending maternal health services at Adare General Hospital, Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia

This particular study aimed to assess the magnitude of cervical cancer screening service utilization and associated factors among eligible women attending maternal health services at Adare General Hospital, Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia, 2022. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling technique among 299 eligible women from March 1- to April 30, 2022. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data was also entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Both bivariable and multi-variable logistic regression model was fitted and the presence of association was declared at a p value of less than 0.05. The strenth of association was determined using adjusted odd ratios together with a 95% confidence interval. Among interviewed women, 19.8% (95% CI 15.5%, 24.0%) of them had screened for cervical cancer at least once within the past five years. Place of residence (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.14–0.96), modern contraception use (AOR = 2.49; 95% CI 1.04–5.96), discussion about cervical cancer with healthcare providers (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI 1.08–5.07), and comprehensive knowledge about cervical cancer (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI 0.10–0.62) were independently associated with cervical cancer screening service utilization. The study depicted relatively low utilization of cervical cancer screening services. The women were more likely to utilize the service if they are dwellers of urban residences, used modern contraception, had discussion about cervical cancer with healthcare providers, and had good comprehensive knowledge about cervical cancer. Thus, women living in rural areas should get more emphasis on cervical cancer prevention strategies, and improving consistent discussion about cervical cancer with clients visiting for maternal health services by healthcare providers in health facilities also be recommended.

Knowledge and practice regarding cancer screening in Nepal: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cancer screening utilization can aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. However, the current scenario of the knowledge and practice regarding cancer screening remains unclear as the authors do not have sufficient studies. Hence, the authors conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the situation of cancer screening utilization and knowledge. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify all studies on knowledge and practice regarding cancer screening in the Nepalese population. Data extraction and analysis were done with SPSS and CMA-3. The authors identified a total of 5238 studies after database searching, and 19 studies were included in a narrative synthesis. Lack of awareness and knowledge was the major barrier in cervical, breast, and testicular cancer screening. In cervical cancer screening, the most common reason for screening was the advice of health personnel in 85% of respondents, and the barrier was lack of awareness in 49.33% of participants. The knowledge and practice of cancer screening is lacking in Nepal, as shown by our review. More educational and awareness programs, easy access to screening services, and elimination of sociocultural barriers are necessary to increase the utilization of screening services.

Utilization of cervical cancer screening and determinant factors among female nurses in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundCervical cancer is one of the top cause of death among childbearing women globally and public health issue for underdeveloped nations.It is the world's second most prevalent cancer among women. In 2018, 311,000 women died due to cervical cancer.Approximately 80 % of these deaths occurred in developing countries.However, there has been insufficient research on cervical cancer screening utilisation among Ethiopian nurses, despite the fact that nurses promote women's health and play a key role in cervical cancer education. As a result, evaluating utilization of cervical cancer screening among nurses is critical for program effectiveness. ObjectiveTo assess the magnitude of utilization of cervical cancer screening and determinant factors among female Nurses in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MethodologyAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed from October 1 to November 30, 2022. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data was entered into Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 22 for data management and analysis. Bivariate and multi-variable logistic regressions were employed to identify the predictor variables. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05 with adjusted odds ratio calculated at 95 % CI. ResultThe magnitude of utilization of cervical cancer screening among nurses working in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa was 18.5 % (95 % CI: 14.2, 23.1). Having work experience > 8 years (AOR = 16.78; 95 % CI: 4.82, 58.44), history of STI (AOR = 53.72; 95 % CI: 14.18, 203.45) and having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 12.74; 95 % CI: 4.15, 39.11) were significantly associated with utilization of cervical cancer screening among female nurses. ConclusionThe overall cervical cancer screening rate among female nurses was low compared to the WHO strategy for cervical cancer elimination, which asks for 70 % of women worldwide to be checked for cervical illnesses regularly by 2030. According to the study findings, respondents' work experience, STI history, and having multiple sexual partners influenced their utilization of cervical cancer screening among nurses. To boost the utilization of screening services, female nurses should place a strong emphasis on maintaining screening awareness through education and knowledge sharing.Finally, we recommend future researchers to do comparative study design to draw any scientific and credible conclusions.

Utilization of cervical cancer screening service among female health workforces in public health institutions in south east Ethiopia, a cross-sectional study

IntroductionGlobally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer, accounting for 6.6%of all female cancers, and ranks as the second leading cause of female cancer deaths. Cervical cancer can be avoided if asymptomatic women are screened for precancerous cervical lesions and treated before they progress to invasive disease. Female health workforces are expected to be in a better position to be motivated and initiate society towards the screening by being role models, but there have been few studies done in Ethiopia to assess the utilization of cervical cancer screening services and its associated factors among female health workforces. ObjectiveTo assess utilization of cervical cancer screening service and associated factors among female health workforces in public health institutions Bale zone, Sothern Ethiopia. MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 266 female health workforces from May 1 st to May 30th, 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was entered on Epi data 3.1 software and exported to Statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 25 for analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictors of cervical cancer screening. Statistical significance for the multivariable logistic regression analysis was set at p < 0.05. ResultOut of the total sample size (n = 266), 258 have responded to the questionnaire completely, making the response rate 97 %. The utilization of cervical cancer screening services was 38 (14.7 %). There were significant associations between working in hospitals with an adjusted odd ratio (AOR [95 % CI] = 4.814 [1.774–13.06]) and serving 7 years and above [95 % 44 CI = 5.988 [2.096–17.1]) and utilization of cervical cancer screening services. Conclusionand recommendations: The proportion of utilization of cervical cancer screening services among female health workforces in Bale Zone was very low. Working in hospitals and prolonged work experience were independent predictors of the utilization of cervical cancer screening services. Sustaining awareness creation and sensitization of screening through training and experience sharing should be given broad emphasis for female health workforces to increase their utilization of screening services.

Patients’ Perspective on Barriers to Utilization of a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service

This study was conducted to determine the barriers to the utilization of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening in Papua New Guinea (PNG). A list of patients booked for DR screening at Madang Provincial Hospital Eye Clinic (MPHEC) between January 2017 and December 2021 who had not been screened was retrieved, and the patients were invited to participate in the study. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 was used for the analysis. p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. One hundred and twenty-nine patients (37.4%) did not attend DR screening for the period under study. The study response rate was 80.6%. The mean ± SD age of the respondents was 51.5 ± 10.9 years. The majority of the study respondents were female (62.5%), people living in rural settings (53.8%), and farmers (22.1%). Time constraints, poor knowledge about DR, and long waiting periods at the DR screening center were the main barriers to the uptake of DR screening. Compared to respondents in urban communities, those in rural settings were significantly concerned about cost (p &lt; 0.001), travel distance to the MPHEC (p &lt; 0.001), and poor information about DR screening (p = 0.002). More than half of the respondents (63.5%) had discontinued using pharmacotherapy for DM. There is a high rate of nonadherence to diabetes (DM) and DR treatment in PNG. There is a need for public health campaigns about DM and strategic DR screening at the community level in PNG and similar countries.

Beliefs and Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening by Female Health Care Workers in Saudi Arabia Using the Health Belief Model: A Nationwide Study.

Epidemiologically, cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among females globally and the third most commonly diagnosed gynecological cancer in Saudi Arabia. Screening is an important measure to prevent it. The current study aimed to assess, epidemiologically, female healthcare workers' (HCWs) utilization of cervical cancer screening services and its association with their beliefs about cervical cancer and the screening test, as well as their personal characteristics. This cross-sectional study included female HCWs in Saudi Arabia. A predesigned, self-administered survey was used to collect data, and it included questions about sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics, self-utilization of cervical cancer screening services, and the Health Belief Model (HBM) scale. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of cervical cancer screening service utilization. A total of 1857 females participated. The cervical cancer screening test uptake was 24.6% of ever-married females. However, 45% of the participants were willing to have the test. The odds of utilizing a screening were significantly higher among older participants, those with a higher level of education, and those with a higher number of pregnancies. Furthermore, HCWs with a history of HPV infection, cervical cancer in the family, hormonal contraception, or immunocompromised diseases were more likely to have the screening. An increase in the mean scores of the perceived benefits and motives subscales of HBM was associated with an increase in the uptake of screening. However, an increase in perceived barrier scores was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of cervical cancer screening uptake. Low cervical screening uptake and slightly higher intentions to have the test exist among HCWs. Certain personal factors and health beliefs significantly affect the utilization of the screening test. Approaches that target perceived benefits, health motivation, and perceived barriers to improve the screening rates of cervical cancer among HCWs are recommended.

Intersecting Upstream Factors: Inequities in Cervical Cancer Screening in Malawi

Sub-Saharan African countries like Malawi have been experiencing a rapid increase in cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Cervical cancer screening services are essential for reducing cancer incidence and associated fatalities. Previous attempts to understand the determinants of cervical cancer testing have predominantly focused on the independent influence of residence and socioeconomic status on the utilization of screening services. This has limited our understanding of intersectional sources of inequities in healthcare usage. Guided by an intersectionality framework, we used data from the 2015 to 2016 Malawi Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment Project (n = 11,313) to examine the intersecting effects of women’s residence and socioeconomic status on cervical cancer screening tests. We found residential and socioeconomic inequalities in cervical cancer screening in Malawi. Respondents’ levels of education and household wealth had a statistically significant effect on the use of both lifetime and past-3-years cervical cancer screens. Further results showed a significantly greater influence of household wealth among rural than among urban Malawian women in both lifetime and past-3-years cervical cancer screens. Conversely, a significantly lower influence of education in rural compared to urban areas in lifetime cervical cancer screening was observed. Our study highlights the need to consider the residential context’s role in modifying socioeconomic inequalities in cervical cancer screening among women. Such structural considerations are necessary to increase cervical cancer screening and health and well-being among women in the global south.

Noncommunicable Disease Service Utilization from the Upgraded Primary Care Centers: A Cross-Sectional Study from Kerala, India

ABSTRACT Introduction: World Health Organization recommends the integrated management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in primary care. Hence, this study aimed to determine the NCD service utilization from an upgraded primary care center and to find the reasons for nonutilization. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 387 individuals aged 30 years and above in a selected upgraded primary care center. A validated semistructured questionnaire was used. A log-binomial regression was done, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated. Results: The prevalence of utilization of NCD services from upgraded primary care center was 55.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50.2–60.3). The screening or treatment service utilization for hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases was reported to be 54% (95% CI 48.9–59.1), 37.5% (95% CI 32.6–42.5), and 7.2% (95% CI 4.9–1.3), respectively. The reasons for the nonutilization of services were preference for the private sector (35.3%), distance to the facility (27.2%), and lack of awareness regarding the amenities at family health centers (11.3%). The younger age (aPR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.29–2.23, P = 0.033), unemployment (aPR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.01–2.10, P = 0.043), and social class (aPR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.16–2.26, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with NCD service nonutilization. The willingness to avail of NCD services among nonutilizers was 46.8% and salaried individuals had a high chance of unwillingness (aPR = 5.01, 95% CI 1.69–14.78, P = 0.003) compared to daily waged workers. Conclusion: Nearly half of the participants were not utilized upgraded primary care centers for NCD care. Strengthening outreach services and improving awareness among beneficiaries may improve the utilization in the community.

Cervical cancer screening utilization and associated factors among female health workers in public health facilities of Hossana town, southern Ethiopia: A mixed method approach.

Worldwide, a substantial proportion of women have low cervical cancer screening services utilization. There is a paucity of evidence in utilization of cervical cancer screening services among female health workers and inconsistent findings in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the utilization of cervical cancer screening services and associated factors among female health workers in public health facilities of Hossana town, Southern Ethiopia. Facility-based cross-sectional study design complemented with the qualitative inquiry was conducted among randomly selected 241 study participants in Hossana town from June 1 to July 1, 2021. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables with the assumption of a variable with a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim then translated to English and analyzed using open code version 4.03. Out of the total study participants, 19.6% was screened for cervical cancer. Having a diploma level of education (AOR = 0.48;95%CI:0.24,0.98), having three or more children (AOR = 3.65;95%CI:1.44,9.21), having multiple sexual partners(AOR = 3.89;95%CI: 1.38,11.01), and knowledge of cervical cancer screening (AOR = 2.66;95% CI:1.19,5.95) were statistically significantly associated with cervical cancer screening utilization. In-depth interviews suggested additional barriers for low screening utilization including lack of health educational materials, limitation of service to a specific area, service interruption, provider incompetency, and miss-trust and lack of attention by a trained provider. Utilization of cervical cancer screening service among female health workers is low. Having a diploma level of education, having three or more children, a history of multiple sexual partners, and knowledge about cervical cancer were predictors of cervical cancer screening utilization. Contextualized health talks and promotion through training with a special focus on low level of knowledge, had lower educational level, and the availability of cervical cancer screening services are critical.

FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN PEMANFAATAN PELAYANAN PEMERIKSAAN KEHAMILAN DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS TARUS TAHUN 2022

Prenatal care is the supervision of pregnancy to determine the health of the mother, early enforce diseases that accompany pregnancy, early enforce pregnancy complications, and determine the risk of pregnancy. K4 coverage at the Tarus Health Center over the past three years has not reached the target of SPM sector set nationally (95%), namely in 2019 by 65.48%, in 2020 by 73.10%, and in 2021 by 70.48%. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors related to the utilization of pregnancy examination services in the Working Area of the Tarus Health Center in 2022. The type of research used is an analytical Survey study with a cross sectional study design on a sample of 58 mothers giving birth. This study was conducted in June-July 2022. Sampling technique in this study is by simple random sampling. Analysis of univariate and bivariate data with Chi Square test statistical test. The results showed that there is a relationship between the level of knowledge (p-value=0.000), maternal attitudes (p-value=0.000), family support (p-value=0.000) and family income (p-value=0.004) with the utilization of pregnancy screening services in the work area of Puskesmas Tarus. There was no relationship between the level of Education (p-value=0.229) with the use of pregnancy screening services in the Working Area of Puskesmas Tarus. It is expected that the Puskesmas seeks to improve the MCH program by conducting counseling related to the importance of pregnancy examination at least 6 times periodically that mothers can be motivated to take advantage of pregnancy examination services.

Knowledge, Perceived Risks and Factors Affecting the Utilization of Cervical Screening Services among Females in Owerri North LGA

Background: Globally, cervical cancer screening services involves procedures put in to prevent and checkmate complications in the cervix. Lack of cervical screening services can lead to cervical cancers, one of the leading causes of death in women, which begin in cells on the surface of the cervix. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, perceived risks and factors affecting the utilization of cervical screening services among females in Owerri North LGA. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was employed in this research. The multi-stage simple random sampling procedure was employed to obtain a sample size of 424 respondents and a self-administered semi structured questionnaire was used to gather data for this study. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in the analysis of the data gotten from the study. Results: The results of this study revealed that majority, 27.8% (118) of the women represented age groups between 25-34 and 45-49. For the level of knowledge of cervical screening services, most of the respondents 86.4% (366) demonstrated knowledge of cervical screening, while 13.6% (58) denied. The study also showed a good number of females, about 41.2% (175), agreed that it was risky to avoid uptake of cervical screening. Majority of the respondents reported demonstrated their approval to utilize cervix screening if offered a chance (85.9%), while 14.1% (60) denied based on results from level of knowledge of cervical screening. 19.3% (82) reported family/husband acceptance, 18.7% (79) said “distance to facility” as some of the factors affecting the utilization of cervical screening practice. Further results for the test of a statistically significant association between socio-demographic characteristics and level of knowledge of cervical screening services, age (p=0.010), parity (p=0.0008), level of income (p=0.0092) and level of education (p=0.0327) were associated with level of knowledge of cervical screening services. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed good knowledge of the perceived risks of cervical screening among the females but this did not translate to willingness to utilize screening and awareness campaigns must provide accurate information on cervical screening so that females can make informed choices was recommended by this study