Utilization of cervical cancer screening services among nurses working at Muhimbili National Hospital and Ocean Road Cancer Institute – Dar Es Salaam Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a significant global health burden, with an estimated burden in Tanzania at 51 new cases per 100,000. Despite the country’s wide spread screening program for the disease, its utilization among health care professional like nurses remains low. Information regarding magnitude and factors associated with the utilization of cervical cancer screening services (CCSS) among nurses is limited in Tanzania. Objective: To determine level of utilization of CCSS among nurses working at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) and associated factors. Materials and methods: This was analytical quantitative cross-sectional study that involved the administration of questionnaires to 323 nurses at MNH and ORCI selected through probability sampling methods. The study was done in November 2018. Data were analysed using STATA 14. The main outcome measure was utilization of CCSS and we used Odds Ratio (OR) as a measure of association. Results: The mean (SD) of nurse’s age was 38.6±9.0 years. Utilization over the past 5 years was 11.8%. Factors associated with increased utilization include higher education level: (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.13-4.83), positive provider’s attitude (OR:2.69, 95% CI: 1.77-5.68), adequate provider’s competency (OR:2.30, 95% CI:1.14-4.63), working at ORCI (OR: 5.63, 95% CI: 2.29-13.80), adequate privacy (OR:2.14, 95% CI:1.02-4.52. Factors associated with low utilization include nurses whose husbands (spouses) were employed (OR: 0.20, 95%CI: 0.05-0.95). Predictors of low utilization include perceived low risk to HPV (OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04-0.49). Predictors of increased utilization include perceived satisfaction with services. Conclusion Utilization of CCSS among nurses at MNH and ORCI is low, at 11.8%. Factors associated with low utilization include perceived low risk to HPV and long waiting time. Recommendations: Fostering nurses-provider relations by providing refresher courses to providers on the observed gaps is herein recommended to improve the low utilization.