Exploring Reasons for Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake by Female Clinicians at AIC Kijabe Hospital

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women of reproductive age in Kenya. Local data suggests that the uptake of cervical cancer screening is low among the general population. Clinicians play a vital role in the fight against cervical cancer. However regional data demonstrates a low uptake of cervical cancer screening among clinicians. This study aimed at exploring reasons for personal screening uptake and recommendations to increase screening uptake among female clinicians at AIC Kijabe Hospital.  This was a qualitative study using 22 in-depth interviews with female clinicians. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis. Personal cervical cancer screening uptake was mostly facilitated by the perception of risk, the desire to model positive health behavior and the convenience of awareness campaigns. Aversion to the screening process was a major barrier to screening among this population. Some of the female clinicians’ suggestions to improve clinicians’ screening uptake were details on how to improve the screening process. Significant barriers deter cervical cancer screening among this population. Increasing knowledge and improving the screening process might improve screening uptake among female clinicians at AIC Kijabe Hospital.