Abstract

Cervical cancer is a health concern among women worldwide, presently ranking as the second to fourth common
cancer type among women in different parts of the world. This study aimed to identify factors affecting uptake of
cervical cancer screening services among women aged 14 to 30 years at Orussi health Centre III, Erussi sub-county,
Nebbi District, West Nile, Uganda. A cross-sectional study among 338 randomly selected respondents between ages
14 to 30 was conducted in Orussi health Centre III, Erussi sub-county, Nebbi District, West Nile, Uganda. A selfadministered
questionnaire was distributed among the respondents. To ensure a good understanding, the
questionnaire was written and self-explained in English language, because English is the general spoken language
among the study population. The result obtained was analyzed and presented in form of tables and chart. The
response rate was 98.2%, the majority (68.1%) of the respondents being aged 21-30 years and married. The
prevalence of screening among the respondents over the past 3 years was 27.2%. Findings showed that marital
status, knowledge, perceived barriers and having a regular health care provider were the only significant predicting
factors of uptake of cervical cancer screening among women aged 14 to 30 years at Orussi health Centre III, Erussi
sub-county, Nebbi District, West Nile, Uganda. The findings revealed that the uptake of cervical cancer screening
among women aged 14 to 30 years at Orussi health Centre III, Erussi sub-county, Nebbi District, West Nile, Uganda
are Marital status, knowledge, perceived barriers and having a regular health care provider were the predictive
factors. Specific awareness programs to increase uptake should be designed and implemented by the relevant
authorities