Understanding the determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake in Hoima District, Uganda

Cervical cancer poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in low-resource settings such as Hoima district, Uganda. Early detection through screening is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. This study aimed to investigate the socio-demographic, client-related, and institutional factors influencing the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women aged 20 to 60 years in Hoima district. A cross-sectional study involving 400 women and 95 health workers as key informants was conducted across 20 selected health centres in Hoima district. Data collection employed interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Socio-demographic factors including age, marital status, and occupation were found to significantly influence cervical cancer screening uptake. Among client-related factors, awareness about the importance of screening emerged as a key determinant. Institutional barriers such as limited availability of screening services were identified as significant obstacles to uptake, with only one health facility offering services. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve cervical cancer screening uptake in Hoima district. Recommendations include implementing health promotion campaigns and expanding screening services to all health centres, accompanied by training for health workers and provision of necessary resources.