Determinants of cervical cancer screening utilization among women attending health facilities of Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION: Despite the higher burden of cervical cases, screening programs in highly affected developing countries remained low. This made the disease to be present at an advanced stage which is almost always fatal, causing enormous pain and suffering for the individual and having significant adverse effects on the welfare of their families and community. Thus, this study aimed to assess determinants of cervical cancer screening utilization among women attending health facilities in Dessie Town, Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based unmatched case–control study design was employed on 430 women (146 cases and 284 controls) at selected health facilities of Dessie town, South Wollo Zone, from July 1/2020 to August 30/2020. Cases were selected for all women screened for cervical cancer during the data collection period until the required sample size was attained and using a consecutive sampling technique, every 3 participants from women who come for services other than cervical cancer screening. were included as controls. Pretested and structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 25 software. Bivariable and multivariable logistics regression analysis was done. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was estimated to measure the strength of the association. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. RESULT: Age group of 35 and more [AOR = 11.52(6.09–21.77)], being a private employee [AOR = 4.67(2.41–9.03)], having symptoms of vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain or postcoital bleeding or vaginal discharge [AOR = 3.08(1.37–6.95)], being recommended by a physician for screening [[AOR = 3.07(1.45–6.49)] and positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening [AOR = 5.3(2.8–10.59)] were determinants of cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION: Age group of 35 and more, current occupation as a private employee, having symptoms of cervical cancer, being recommended by a physician for screening, and positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening were determinants of cervical cancer screening utilization. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-10447-0.