PUBLIC HOSPITALS PREPAREDNESS IN THE PROVISION OF BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SERVICES IN BUSIA AND TRANS-NZOIA COUNTIES IN KENYA

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the preparedness of public health care facilities in the provision of breast and cervical cancer services. Specifically, healthcare providers knowledge on risk factors, screening, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment as well as availability of medical equipment required for breast and cervical cancer management. Methods: A cross-sectional service provision assessment (SPA) survey conducted in Busia and Trans-Nzoia counties of Western Kenya between October and December 2018. Interviewer assisted questionnaires were used to collect data from healthcare workers while a structured facility questionnaire was used to assess the level of preparedness of the selected public healthcare facilities stratified by their level of care. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 15. Results: We enrolled 73 healthcare workers 37 (50.6%) of whom were nurses, followed by clinical officers and medical officers. The highest proportion of knowledge on risk factors and screening of breast and cervical cancer was reported among medical officers or consultant physicians, followed by clinical officers. Nurses scored highly on the symptoms of breast and cervical cancer. The medical equipment required for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnosis were found in most facilities; however, there were no core-biopsy needles or mammograms found. A single LEEP equipment was found in a health center within Trans Nzoia while two LEEP equipment were stationed at the Busia county hospital. Conclusion: A below average level of knowledge on breast and cervical cancer among the healthcare workers attending to patients in public healthcare facilities was found in both Busia and Trans Nzoia counties. Furthermore, there was a disparity in the distribution and quantity of priority medical equipment for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast and cervical cancer in the two county hospitals.