KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE ATTENDING LUWEERO GENERAL HOSPITAL, LUWEERO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction

Cervical cancer is the cancer of the uterine cervix it is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer deaths in developing countries. In Uganda, cervical cancer is the leading cancer and cause of premature death among women aged 15-49 years.

Study objective

The study aims to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cervical screening among women of reproductive attending Luweero General Hospital, Luweero district.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out with both quantitative & qualitative data. The study was conducted at Luweero General Hospital in Luweero district from December 2022 to January 2023, and the sample was calculated. The simple random technique was employed in this study. A self -self-administered questionnaire that was specifically structured was used as a data collection tool. Data was analyzed with SPSS software version 17, by use of double entry.

Results

Concerning knowledge, 57 out of the 67 (85.1%) had heard about cervical cancer screening. In terms of attitude, 56(83.3%) agreed that they can go for cervical cancer screening when told that it is painless, simple, and good for early detection of cervical cancer. As for the practice, 32(52.2%) had never gone for cervical cancer screening.

Conclusion

The knowledge was average given majority 85.1% had heard about cervical cancer screening. The attitude was fairly good as well because 83.6% of the women agreed to get checked. However, the practice was very low given that 52.2% had never gone for cervical cancer screening.

Recommendation

Efforts should be made to have periodical screening against cervical cancer, offering health education on HPV, tobacco use, and condom promotion. Moreover, creating awareness about the availability of cervical cancer services to women of reproductive age attending Luweero General Hospital, Luweero district.