BEHAVIORAL INTENTION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS TO USE CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN (30-49) YEARS OLD ATTENDING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICE IN SHEBEDINO DISTIRICT HEALTH CENTERS, SIDAMA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA, 2023.

Abstract

Background Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in Ethiopian women. Despite numerous interventions, there is a low uptake of cervical cancer screening services. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of behavioral intention and associated factor to use cervical cancer screening services among women who are visiting maternal and child health services in Shebedino district health centers. Method: Institutional based mixed cross-sectional study design used to employ women’s age between 30-49 years old. Systematic random sampling method employed to select participants. Qualitative Data was gathered and analyzed through discussion under major thematic area. linear regressions model was conducted to identify independent predictors of intention on cervical cancer screening among women. Result: Out of 401, 288(71%) of respondents had heard about cervical cancer, however, about 92(23%) of women were knowledgeable about the disease. 120 (29%), 98 (24%), 81 (20.1%), and 42(11%) of the respondents were know the sign & symptoms, risk factors, prevention methods and screening frequency of cervical cancer respectively. The qualitative finding revealed that women did not like to be screened for cervical cancer because they thought that procedure squeeze the cervix and it may result in perforating the uterus that would expose them for infertility. In addition, the qualitative findings supported quantitative results, where the constructs of the theory of planned behavior play an essential role in the improvement of women’s intention. Having knowledge about cervical cancer and past screening practice were positively associated with intention to screen (β = 0.145, CI, 0.001, 0.122), (β = 0.098, CI, 0.093, 1] respectively. Standardized regression coefficient shows; all constructs of the theory were positively and significantly associated with intention to screening. Perceived difficulty or easness (β = 0.297, CI, 0.172, 0.343), perceived social pressure (β = 0.248, CI, 0.131, 0.30) and attitude (β=0.11, CI, 0.018, 0.158).The study showed that magnitude of intention was 198 (44%) of woman had intention to screen for cervical cancers from date of interview. Conclusion: This study showed that women’s intention to screen for cervical cancer was low. Positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening (CCS), subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were predictors of women’s intention to screen for cervical cancer. Recommendation: Thus, efforts should be exerted to improve the attitude of women involving influential people, who could improve women’s intention for cervical cancer screening. Moreover; behavioral change communication focuses on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior.