The Challenges Faced by Women of Reproductive Age 15-49 Years Seeking Cervical Cancer Screening at Kitagata Hospital, Sheema District Uganda

Abstract

In Uganda 80% of women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer present with advanced disease that is difficult to treat. The Ministry of Health recommends that all women of reproductive age aged 15-49 years should have cervical cancer screening. The aim is to determine the challenges faced by women of reproductive age 15-49 years seeking cervical cancer screening services at Kitagata Hospital. The study design was cross sectional which employed quantitative methods of data collection. One hundred (100) respondents were enrolled and selected for the study population by purposive sampling. Data was collected using a research administered questionnaire, analyzed using Computer Microsoft Excel. The study found that among the women that accessed cervical cancer screening services. Majority of the respondents 71% disclosed that experience during cervical cancer screening was painful and 5% stated that their relationship with the health care provider was poor. Basing on the study findings, the challenges identified about cervical cancer screening include both socio-cultural and health related challenges. The socio-cultural challenges include; majority were peasants, others had never heard about cervical cancer screening, the distance from the health facility that offers cervical cancer screening was far in distance of 6-10km, and others their partners were not supportive.  The health related challenges include; the experience during examination was painful, the relationship of health care provider with women was poor and the rating of cervical cancer screening services at Kitagata hospital was also poor. This study therefore recommends that the Government should support and encourage women to start income generating activities at their places of residence in order to reduce on partner dependency whom they presume are not supportive. The District Health Officer should ensure community outreaches to those who cannot make it to the health facility in order to increase on utilization of cervical cancer screening by those in far distant places.