Factors influencing utilisation of cervical cancer screening services among HIV positive women attending care and treatment centres in Kinondoni municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among HIV+ve women. Objective: To determine factors influencing utilisation of cervical cancer screening among HIV+ve women attending Cancer Treatment and Care in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam. Methods: Cross-sectional study among HIV+ve women was carried out between September and October 2021; collected using a standardised questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine cervical cancer extent and association of predictors of cervical cancer screening. Results: 230 HIV+ve women aged 21–60 years were interviewed. Only 47% had screened for cervical cancer. Low knowledge of HIV+ve as risk significantly associated with less likelihood to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 0.49, 95% CI (0.253-0.957, P = 0.037)]. Parity of 3 or more was twice likely to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 2.124, 95% CI (1.012-4.456, P = 0.046)]; and housewives were 2.5 more likely to screen for cervical cancer [AOR 2.594, 95% CI (1.149-5.853, P = 0.002)]. Lack of knowledge on preventive measures was less associated with likelihood to screen [AOR 0.114, 95% CI (0.013-0.972, P = 0.047)]. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge on HIV+ve and prevention, age and parity are likely to influence utilisation of cervical cancer screening services. Keywords: Cervical cancer; HIV positive women.