Addressing Barriers to HPV Screening Among Women: A Study Overview

Abstract

Introduction: A major challenge in the success of HPV screening programs is achieving 70% coverage of women aged 30-69. This study conducted a survey to examine the factors influencing the willingness of woman in that age group to actively engage HPV screening program.
Method: Socio-demographic data, knowledge levels, cervical cancer screening uptake, and willingness to participate in the government’s routine screening program were collected digitally using cross-sectional study. Factors associated with knowledge, participation, and willingness to engage program measured using logistic regression analysis.
Result: Among the 87 eligible respondents, 96.6% had heard about cervical cancer mostly via internet, and 51% categorized as having low level knowledge. The percentage of participants willingness to participate in program was 67.82% below the percentage government target coverage. Factors correlated with willingness included: age group 36-40 (aOR = 1.865, 95% CI = 0.567-6.129) and 41-45 (aOR = 2.93, 95% CI = 0.762-11.272), monthly household expense (aOR = 1.682, 95% CI = 0.684-4.138), having relatives suffer cervical cancer (aOR = 2.764, 95% CI = 0.790-9.672), history of HPV vaccination (aOR = 1.187, 95% CI = 0.593-7.539).
Conclusion: Respondent willingness to participate in HPV screening program remains to be improved. Various ways to increase participation in screening programs need to be developed to reach various populations of women.