Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake Among Women Attending Antenatal Care Services in Gombe Hospitals

Background: Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity among women globally, especially in low-resource settings where screening coverage remains low.[1] Though effective screening methods exist, uptake is limited due to various socio-cultural, educational, and healthcare system barriers.[2] Objective: This study aimed to identify the determinants influencing cervical cancer screening uptake among women attending antenatal care (ANC) services in Gombe hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 women attending ANC clinics in Gombe, Nigeria, selected via systematic random sampling. Data were collected through interviewer-administered structured questionnaires capturing socio-demographic data, awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and health-seeking behaviors related to cervical cancer screening. Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with screening uptake. Results: Among participants, 28% (112/400) had undergone cervical cancer screening. Higher educational level (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.4–4.3), previous health education on cervical cancer (OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.8–5.4), and healthcare provider recommendation (OR=4.2, 95% CI: 2.3–7.8) significantly increased the likelihood of screening. Barriers included cultural beliefs, fear, and lack of awareness. Women with good knowledge about cervical cancer were more likely to participate in screening (p<0.001). Conclusion: Enhancing health education, encouraging healthcare provider recommendations, and addressing cultural barriers could increase cervical cancer screening uptake among women in Gombe. Targeted interventions are crucial to improve early detection and reduce cervical cancer burden.