Knowledge and Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women aged 15- 50 attending a District Hospital in Rwanda

Abstract

Background

Cervical cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death among women globally, with alarming figures of new cases

and fatalities recorded annually. In Rwanda, it stands as the primary cause of death in women aged 15 to 44, with a

substantial incidence of new cases diagnosed yearly. Despite the proven benefits of early detection, many Rwandan

women present with advanced stages of the disease, reflecting low attendance for screening despite available

programs.

Materials and Methods

A quantitative cross-sectional approach was utilized in this study, with a sample of 424 women aged 15 to 50 selected

using systematic sampling with a random start. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses

were conducted to explore the relationships between demographic variables, knowledge levels, and cervical cancer

screening uptake. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and ethical clearance was obtained from

relevant authorities. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version

20.0.

Results

The study included 424 women aged 15 to 50, with 79.2% from Gasabo District and 49.3% from Kimironko. Age

distribution was 35.4% aged 15-24, 38.7% aged 25-34, and 25.9% aged 35 and above. Educationally, 40.6% had a

secondary level of education. Most participants (56.6%) were single/divorced/widowed, and 41% were unemployed.

The majority (88.9%) were Christians, and 9.4% were Muslim. The prevalence of cervical cancer screening uptake was

38.2%, and 48.1% had a high level of knowledge about cervical cancer.

Conclusion:

The findings underscore a low uptake of cervical cancer screening and knowledge levels among the study population.

Notably, high knowledge levels emerged as the primary predictor of screening behavior. Consequently, there is a

pressing need for the Ministry of Health to implement targeted health promotion campaigns aimed at enhancing

knowledge and increasing uptake of cervical cancer screening among women nationwide, thus mitigating the burden

of cervical cancer and improving public health outcomes.