Cervical cancer screening uptake and associated factors among female nurses and midwives in Jimma Zone: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Routine cervical screening has been shown to greatly reduce both the number of new cervical cancers diagnosed each year and deaths from the disease. Screening coverage in developing countries is low ranging from 2.0% to 20.2% in urban areas and 0.4% to 14.0% in rural areas. This study was carried out to assess cervical cancer screening uptake and associated factors among female nurses and midwives in Jimma Zone. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess cervical cancer screening uptake and its associated factors among female Nurses and midwives in government hospitals of Jimma zone. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study design was used from February to April 2016 using quantitative data collection methods. Study participants were female nurses and midwives working in all government hospitals of Jimma Zone. A pre-tested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information. Epi data Version 3.1 was to entered and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Bivariate analysis was used for the association of independent variable with the dependent. Variables found to related to the outcome variable, at p value <=0.05, was entered in to multiple logistic regression model, Odds ratios with 95% CI are reported for significant variables related to the outcomes Variable of Study. Result: A total of 188 female nurses midwifes in Jimma zone government hospital, participated in the study, with a response rate of 93.4%. The magnitude of cervical cancer screening uptake at least once in last three years among the respondents was found 12.2%,95% CI:7.4-17.2). Knowledge and work experience of the respondents were significantly associated with Cervical cancer screening uptake with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 3.685 95%CI(1.410 -9.634) and (AOR) of 3.383 95% CI: 1.292-8.854) respectively. Conclusion and recommendation: Overall, the study results indicated a big gap regarding cervical cancer screening uptake in Jimma Zone despite available screening service. In addition, the study reveals inadequate level of knowledge towards cervical cancer screening, and particular attention should be paid to the provision of cervical cancer related knowledge through training and refreshment courses on cervical cancer screening.