Evaluation of Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake and Risk Factors Knowledge: Health Beliefs Model (HBM)

Background: Even though 20 million women are eligible for cervical screening in Ethiopia only less than 1% of women are screened. Part of the explanation for the low uptake of cervical cancer (CC) screening could be rooted women`s health beliefs and inadequate knowledge of risk factors. Objectives: To assess women health beliefs on CC screening and CC risk factors knowledge who visited Sister Aklesia Memorial Hospital (SAMH) for any medical reasons in Adama town, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted and a total of 412 women participated between September and December 2017. Results: The average age of women was 44.6 years. Among 28 women who visited health facility, thirteen (3.2%) had underwent screening test either of VIA or Pap test. Association between women's education (p<0.05) and household income (p<0.05) with health facility visit for the purpose of CC screening were found statistically significant. Women didn't visit clinics for screening purpose because they belief "douching every day" can prevent CC; and "no see and treat" system existed; "uncomfortable if a man does the procedure"; "no self-sampling device available" were the main barrier factors. Women believed that they are not susceptible of CC when they don't have sex with many partner (p<0.05) and don't have symptoms (P<0.05), and so they don't need a CC screening test. Significant number of women (p<0.05) didn't consider abnormal CC screening tests without treatment can lead to cervical cancer. Conclusion: The health belief model could be used to study factors influencing Ethiopian women's participation in cervical cancer screening. Therefore, changing social structure and living condition of women may improve health through increasing preventive belief and incentives for screening tests. This study is identified several factors influencing cancer screening uptake and compliance.