Prevalence and Predictor of Cervical Cancer Screening Service Uptake Among Women Aged 25 Years and Above in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia, Using Health Belief Model

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide, and the second leading cancer in Ethiopia. Screening gives protective benefits associated with a reduction in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer and mortality. However, the level of cervical cancer screening uptake is not well document in the country. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of cervical cancer screening service uptake among women aged 25 years and above in Sidama zone, southern Ethiopia, 2019. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 838 women aged 25 and above years by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to identify households with women age of 25 and above years who were residing in the selected kebele for more than 6 months. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression done. P-value <0.05 was considered as significant and presented by adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% C.I. This study showed that among 838 women, only 17.8% (95%CI, 15.2%-20.5%) have undergone for cervical cancer screening. Being age of 35-39 (AOR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.6-10.6), College and above Educational level (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.5-9.6), Ever had HIV test (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.82-4.4) and high perceived self-efficacy (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.527-12.84) were significant predictors for cervical cancer screening service uptake. The magnitude of cervical cancer screening uptake among women aged 25 years and above was lower than that of the recommended coverage of the target group by the national guideline. Age of women, educational status of women, ever had HIV test, and high perceived self-efficacy were important factors of cervical cancer screening service uptake. So it is very crucial improving cervical cancer screening uptake, through creating awareness and educating women, about the advantage of screening in early detection and management of cervical cancer screening utilization