Uptake of cervical cancer screening services among women of reproductive age attending Hoima regional referral hospital. A cross-sectional study.

Authors

  • Mariam Nankwanga Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences Author
  • Moses Ojale Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences Author
  • Hasifa Nansereko Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences Author
  • Franscisco Ssemuwemba Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences Author
  • Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences Author
  • Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/5f666x02

Keywords:

Women of reproductive age, Hoima regional referral hospital

Abstract

Background:

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, but for those in their prime reproductive years, it is the second most frequent threat.  It is almost entirely preventable with regular screening and early detection. The study aimed to assess the individual, health care system-related, and social and cultural factors affecting uptake of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.

  Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, with the use of semi-structured questionnaires. Simple random sampling was used to obtain 60 respondents, and data were collected with the help of semi-structured questionnaires. Collected data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and presented in the form of tables and figures.

 Results:

More than half of the respondents, 44(73.3%), felt uncomfortable with cervical cancer screening because it involves genital examination. While 31(51.7%) avoided being screened for cervical cancer due to long waiting time, 51.7% avoided it because they had been discouraged by their partners. Even though 84.6% reported that they would go for screening if given adequate information about cervical cancer screening, fear of results, 61.7%, and preference for a specific gender of health workers seemed to be influencing factors.

  Conclusions:  Key barriers to seeking care include long wait times, partner discouragement, and a fear of results. Additionally, the gender of health workers plays a role in their decision-making. However, there is a strong willingness to undergo screening if adequate information and education are provided. Socio-cultural factors included feeling ashamed of the procedure and being refused by partners.   Recommendations:  The hospital administration should work towards improving the quality and accessibility of cervical cancer screening services by reducing long waiting times, improving staffing levels, and introducing organized appointment systems.

Author Biographies

  • Mariam Nankwanga, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

    is a student at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences, pursuing a diploma in clinical medicine and community health.

  • Moses Ojale, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

    is a tutor and research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

  • Hasifa Nansereko, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

    is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

  • Franscisco Ssemuwemba, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

    is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

  • Jane Frank Nalubega, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

    is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

  • Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

    is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

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Published

2026-05-01

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): May 2026 issue

Section

Original Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Mariam Nankwanga, Moses Ojale, Hasifa Nansereko, Franscisco Ssemuwemba, Jane Frank Nalubega, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Nankwanga, M., Ojale, M., Nansereko, H., Ssemuwemba, F., Nalubega, J. F., & Naggulu, I. P. (2026). Uptake of cervical cancer screening services among women of reproductive age attending Hoima regional referral hospital. A cross-sectional study. SJ Gynecology and Obstetrics Africa, 3(2), 12. https://doi.org/10.51168/5f666x02

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