Cervical cancer screening practices and its associated factors among females of reproductive age in Durame town, Southern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: An estimated 22 million Ethiopian women between the ages of 15 and 49 are affected by cervical cancer each year, with 7095 cases and 4732 fatalities. Cervical cancer screening is one of the prevention methods, although Ethiopia has a low coverage rate. Furthermore, data on the use of cervical cancer screening services in the country is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to assess cervical cancer screening practices and its associated factors among females of reproductive age in Durame, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage sampling technique among 460 females of reproductive age from March to April 2020. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were carried out to determine the association between independent and dependent variables. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a P-value < 0.05 were used to declare the statistical association. RESULTS: We found that cervical cancer screening practice in this study was 13.8% [95% CI:(10.4–17.2)]. Having a positive attitude [AOR = 5.2, 95% CI:(1.4, 20.0)], having a good knowledge [AOR = 5.4, 95% CI:(1.5,19.5)], being informed about cervical cancer by health professionals [AOR = 3.5, 95% CI:(1.3,9.8)], average monthly income greater than 3000 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) [AOR = 4.9, 95% CI:(1.1, 22)], and having a history of sexually transmitted infections [AOR = 4.2, 95% CI:(1.4,12.85)] were the factors associated with cervical cancer screening practice. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of cervical cancer screening was found to be very low, being influenced by women’s attitudes, knowledge, having health professionals as sources of information, monthly income, and history of sexually transmitted infections. Thus, it is necessary to increase awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and improve attitudes toward cervical screening services to improve the uptake of the screening. Health professionals also have to play a pivotal role in properly addressing information about cervical cancer.