Factors Associated with the Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services among Women Attending Methodist Hospital, Aburaso, Ghana: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge, particularly in Ghana, where screening uptake remains low despite the availability of effective preventive interventions. Understanding the individual, institutional, and community factors associated with cervical cancer screening uptake is essential for developing targeted interventions to reduce the burden of the disease. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 women aged 18–49 years attending Methodist Hospital, Aburaso, Ghana. Participants were selected using simple random sampling, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics and barriers to screening, while chi-square tests assessed factors associated with cervical cancer screening uptake. Results: Approximately 60.0% of respondents had heard of cervical cancer screening, yet only 18.3% had ever undergone screening. Chi-square analysis showed that education level (p = 0.002), awareness of cervical cancer screening (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.011), and perceived stigma (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with screening uptake. Institutionally, only 25.5% of respondents reported that screening services were available at nearby health facilities, while high screening costs (51.3%), limited service availability (47.8%), long waiting times (43.8%), lack of female healthcare providers (41.2%), and negative provider attitudes (38.2%) were common barriers. At the community level, only 38.4% of respondents had received information through community-based campaigns, 56.9% reported fear of stigma or community judgement, and 41.7% identified myths and misconceptions about cervical cancer screening within their communities. Conclusion: Cervical cancer screening uptake among women attending Methodist Hospital, Aburaso, was low and was associated with individual, institutional, and community factors. Addressing inadequate awareness, stigma, limited access to screening services, and community misconceptions through integrated health education, improved service delivery, and community engagement may help increase cervical cancer screening uptake.