Factors Influencing the Uptake of Breast Cancer Screening Services among Women of Reproductive Age: A Case Study of Turbo Sub-county, Kenya
Koech J. Maureen
*
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kenya.
John G. Kariuki
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kenya.
Dominic M. Mogere
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kenya.
Karani Magutah
Department of Medical Physiology, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
Esleen Jeruto
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To determine the prevalence, socio-demographic, and health system factors influencing the uptake of breast cancer (BC) screening services among women of reproductive age (WRA).
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional research design was used which employed mixed-methods approach. Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the study location and to recruit study participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to WRA participants. A subset of respondents took part in the qualitative study.
Results: The study sample was 317 WRA. The prevalence of uptake of BC screening services was 10.2%. Being employed (OR=5.6, 95% CI: 1.81-17.47) and earning a high income (OR=4.9, 95% CI: 1.22-19.47) increased the likelihood of uptake of BC screening services. The presence of outreach programs (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 0.07-0.97), reduced screening charges (OR=1.1, 95% CI: 2.22-4.30), reduced distance to the health facilities (OR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.07-9.51), and reduced waiting time (OR=3.3, 95% CI: 0.10-0.96) augmented the odds of uptake of BC screening services.
Conclusion: The uptake of BC screening services was low (10.2%). Based on these findings, the government should subsidize screening services for low-income earners and the unemployed. The ministry of health should improve access to BC screening services and reduce waiting period.
Keywords: Breast cancer, screening, uptake, prevalence, women of reproductive age