Internet use and uptake of clinical breast examination among Kenyan women of reproductive age

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women across sub-Saharan Africa. Early detection techniques, including clinical breast examination (CBE), are crucial for improving survival rates. As internet usage in Kenya increases, digital platforms may offer innovative opportunities to enhance breast cancer awareness and increase screening uptake. Nonetheless, empirical evidence regarding the association between internet usage and CBE uptake remains limited. This study seeks to examine the relational effect of internet use and CBE among women of reproductive age in Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from 16,649 women aged 15-49 years who participated in the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. The primary outcome was self-reported uptake of CBE. The main explanatory variable was frequency of internet usage, recategorized as never, rarely, and often. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between internet usage and CBE uptake, while adjusting for sociodemographic factors such as media exposure, age, marital status, and wealth index. Among the respondents, 13.9% reported ever undergoing CBE. Frequent internet usage was reported by 53.9% of the women and was significantly associated with higher odds of CBE uptake (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-1.75) compared to non-users. Other factors positively associated with CBE uptake included older age (35-49 years: aOR = 3.78; 95% CI: 3.18-4.49), higher education levels (secondary or higher: aOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 2.70-5.04), higher wealth index (rich: aOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.54-2.23), media exposure (aOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.12-1.71), and recent health facility visits (aOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.56-1.95). Frequent internet usage is associated with a higher participation in CBE among women in Kenya. These findings suggest that digital platforms may be utilized to enhance early detection of breast cancer. Future interventions should investigate the integration of digital health initiatives with community-based screening programs to enhance breast cancer outcomes in Kenya.