Cervical cancer screening and its associated factors among women of reproductive age in senegal: evidence from 2023 continuous demographic and health survey in Senegal

In 2022, approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths from cervical cancer were reported worldwide, making it the fourth most common malignancy among women globally. To determine the prevalence and the factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Senegal. The study analyzed secondary data from the 2023 Continuous Demographic and Health Survey. The study included a weighted sample of 16,583 women. The study used the “svy” command in Stata to assign the sample weight. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess significant factors associated cervical cancer screening and statistical significance was set at a 5% significance level. In Senegal, 9.5% of women of reproductive age had undergone cervical cancer screening (95% CI = 8.67, 10.41). The prevalence cervical cancer screenings ranged greatly by location, from 2.4% in Matam to 14.6% in Thies. The results revealed that factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age included being aged 30-49 (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.25, 1.90), being married (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.92, 4.60) or separated (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.55, 3.97), belonging to middle (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.17, 1.91) and rich wealth indices (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.27, 2.16), being employed (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.54), having health insurance (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.69), having 1-2 children (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.28, 2.52), having 3 or more children (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.34, 2.85), having experienced a terminated pregnancy (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.65), visiting health facility (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.33, 1.91), and watching television (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.67). The study highlights low screening prevalence of 9.5%, compared to the WHO recommendation of 70%. Factors such as age, marital status, and wealth status, employment, significantly impacted screening rates. The study underscores the need for tailored programs aimed at increasing cervical cancer screening, including mobile screening initiatives, increased outreach programs, and enhanced health insurance coverage for all women.