Cervical cancer screening service utilisation and related factors among women on antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities of Asella town, Ethiopia, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the predominant form of cancer in Ethiopia, accounting for the majority of malignant cases. Women account for two-thirds of cancer-related deaths in the country. Cervical cancer screening (CCS) can help prevent disease development, but screening rates are unacceptably low. The greatest number of women were in the most vulnerable group, and the availability of wheal data on their use of CCSs was limited. This study aimed to evaluate the use of CCS and the factors that influence its use among HIV-positive women receiving antiretroviral therapy at public health facilities.

METHODS

This study used a cross-sectional study design. A total of 396 (97.5%) HIV-positive women participated in this study between March 10 and May 30, 2023. Participants enrolled in public health facilities in Asella town were selected through systematic random sampling, and data were collected through on-site interviews using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science, Version 26. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determining factors.

RESULTS

The findings from this study indicated that 30.3% of individuals used cervical cancer screening services. Those women who had knowledge about cervical cancer had a 2.54 times greater likelihood of receiving CCS than those who were not informed (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = (2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42-4.56). Women with a history of sexually transmitted diseases were twice as likely to use CCS as those without such a history (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.13-3.73). Furthermore, women with a positive attitude towards CCS were found to be significant predictors of utilisation, showing a greater than threefold greater likelihood of using these services (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.78-5.81).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of HIV-positive women who underwent cervical cancer screening (CCS) was significantly lower than the recommended guideline of 80%. To enhance the uptake of screening among women with HIV, healthcare professionals should focus on enhancing awareness about cervical cancer, improving attitudes towards CCS, and advancing knowledge about the disease. Healthcare providers' collaboration with both government and nongovernmental stakeholders plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of accessibility and attendance at screening services.