WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Venah Bogonko*, Deus Oendo and Winne Akinyi Orwa

ABSTRACT

Cervical cancer screening is testing of all women at risk of cervical cancer most of whom will be without symptoms. It aims to detect per-cancerous changes which if not treated may lead to cancer. The screening uses cytology also known as the Pap smear test, it’s a procedure used to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. The cells are then viewed under a microscope to determine if they are abnormal. The main objective of the study was to assess factors contributing to low uptake of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Shauri Yako in Homabay County. The study design used was cross sectional descriptive method which adopted quantitative approach in collecting information directly from the people. The study used convenient sampling method to identify the respondents. Fisher’s formula was used to determine sample size of 37 subjects. Questionnaires were used to collect data which were analyzed using Microsoft excel software and SPSS Version 21. Descriptive statistics computed included frequencies, proportions and percentages. The results were presented in tables and figures. The results showed that level of awareness, social cultural and economic factors still contributes inadequate cervical cancer screening. The study recommends efforts to address barriers for screening such as fears and the misconceptions women have about cervical cancer and create a more open discussion about reproduction, and women be adequately informed about risks of cervical cancer so as to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening.