Factors associated with utilization of cervical cancer screening services among sexually active women in Gutu District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a prevalent type of cancer that ranks fourth among women and eighth overall. It disproportionately affects individuals residing in developing countries, where inadequate screening programs and poor uptake of traditional diagnostic methods such as pap smears or pelvic examinations are common. Early detection and timely treatment significantly improve the chances of a complete cure. In Zimbabwe, despite the availability of free cervical cancer screening services to all eligible women, rural women from the Gutu district exhibit low utilization rates. This research aims to investigate the underlying factors contributing to the inadequate uptake of cervical cancer screening services by rural women in the Gutu District. A cross-sectional study design with an exploratory approach was employed to investigate the subject matter at hand. Quantitative data was collected in May 2021 through a self-administered questionnaire. The sample size of 450 participants was acquired using a multistage stratified random sampling method. Findings from this investigation have revealed that rural women residing in the Gutu district lack fundamental knowledge regarding cervical cancer, where only half of the participants demonstrated awareness of its signs and symptoms. Furthermore, risk perception among the study's respondents remained limited, with only 36.7% acknowledging high susceptibility to developing cervical cancer. The outcomes of this research also indicate that multiple factors, including age, outreach availability, proximity to the VIAC centre, perceived severity of cervical cancer, and spousal support, independently influence the uptake of cervical cancer screening among rural women in the Gutu district. The study concludes that accessibility to cervical cancer screening services remains inadequate within the area of interest. To address this issue, measures such as enhancing risk communication, expanding screening sites, and increasing outreach activities are necessary to bring the service closer to individuals who require it. Additionally, there should be a concerted effort to prioritize rural women in cervical cancer screening programs, dispel any myths or misconceptions, and eliminate gender and cultural barriers.