Implementation and acceptability of a community based intervention for cervical cancer screening amongst women of reproductive age in Kiambu County, Kenya

In Kenya, cervical cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths and second most prevalent cancer among women aged 15–44. Despite the existence of screening programs, only 13.8% of women participate, with nearly 50% diagnosed late. Lack of knowledge and embarrassment is linked to low uptake. Post-intervention, uptake of screening and acceptability of SMS prompts and self-sampling were evaluated. Women (18+ years), who had never screened, were randomly chosen from a pre-existing database. They received either usual care (notification of availability of screening services at public health facility), text education, or interactive in-person sessions with self-sample training. 85 women received health education and self-sample kits, 55 received SMS prompts, and 36 received usual care. Screening rates were highest in the self-sample group (53%). 78% of self-sample participants recommended the Evalyn brush. Only about 52% of SMS recipients found the messages useful, and just 31% were open to receiving more educational messages. Community health workers were instrumental in the implementation of self-sample collection. Community-based strategies leveraging existing resources and incorporating education and self-sampling demonstrate feasibility and potential acceptability, particularly in culturally rooted areas with geographical access barriers. Careful design of messaging strategies for behavior change remains crucial. Trial registration The trial was approved for registration with the Pan African Clinical TrialRegistry on 21/09/2023 (Clinical Trial No. PACTR202309878831811). https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=25484.