Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women Aged 25 to 65 Years in a Semi-Rural Area in Cameroon

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in low- and middle-income countries. Screening is a critical prevention and control strategy. This study investigates the factors influencing the uptake of cervical cancer screening services among women aged 25-65 in Kumba, Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kumba, involving 400 women aged 25-65 years who provided informed consent. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, divided into four sections: knowledge of cervical cancer, uptake of cervical cancer screening, and factors facilitating or hindering screening. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and inferential statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were performed to identify determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake. Results were presented in tables and figures. Results: The mean age of participants was 33.78 years, with the majority (64.3%) between 25-29 years. 64.0% of participants had adequate knowledge of cervical cancer, while 43.0% reported having undergone cervical cancer screening. Women residing in the Kumba Town Health Area were more likely to participate in screening compared to those in the Fiango Health Area (AOR=2.55, CI=1.20-5.44, p value= 0.023). Women aged 35-44 years were more likely to undergo screening than those aged 25-34 years (AOR=1.96, CI=1.03-3.71, p value=0.041). Adequate knowledge of cervical cancer was associated with a higher likelihood of screening uptake (AOR=2.96, CI=1.56-5.59, p value=0.003). Additionally, having a relative who had been screened increased the likelihood of participation in screening by 3.8 times (AOR=3.82, CI=2.08-7.00, p value=<0.000). Conclusions: This study identified key determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake, including age (35-44 years), adequate knowledge of cervical cancer, and having a screened relative. The results highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve awareness and accessibility of screening services, particularly in under-screened areas like Fiango Health Area. Public health strategies should focus on increasing educational campaigns and encouraging family involvement in screening programs to enhance uptake in similar settings.