ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIO- DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND UTILIZATION OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN NAKURU WEST SUB COUNTY HEALTH FACILITIES

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related illness and death among women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Kenya, cervical cancer is a major public health concern, with many women diagnosed at advanced stages despite the availability of screening services. This study examined the association between socio-demographic characteristics and utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women of reproductive age attending level two and three public health facilities in Nakuru West Sub-County. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, and systematic random sampling was applied to select 167 eligible women. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ characteristics, while inferential statistics assessed associations between socio-demographic variables and screening utilization. The findings showed a statistically significant moderate association between socio-demographic characteristics and utilization of cervical cancer screening services (Phi = 0.278, p = 0.002). Age, number of children, and health insurance status were the most influential factors. The study recommends integrating cervical cancer screening into reproductive health services, strengthening health education, improving affordability through insurance coverage, ensuring essential screening supplies, and enhancing community outreach through community health promoters, religious leaders, and male partner involvement.