Abstract:
Aim: To determine the prevalence, socio-demographic, and health system factors influencing the
uptake of breast cancer (BC) screening services among women of reproductive age (WRA).
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional research design was used which employed mixed-methods
approach. Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the study location
and to recruit study participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to WRA
participants. A subset of respondents took part in the qualitative study.
Results: The study sample was 317 WRA. The prevalence of uptake of BC screening services was
10.2%. Being employed (OR=5.6, 95% CI: 1.81-17.47) and earning a high income (OR=4.9, 95%
CI: 1.22-19.47) increased the likelihood of uptake of BC screening services. The presence of
outreach programs (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 0.07-0.97), reduced screening charges (OR=1.1, 95% CI:
2.22-4.30), reduced distance to the health facilities (OR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.07-9.51), and reduced
waiting time (OR=3.3, 95% CI: 0.10-0.96) augmented the odds of uptake of BC screening services Conclusion: The uptake of BC screening services was low (10.2%). Based on these findings, the
government should subsidize screening services for low-income earners and the unemployed. The
ministry of health should improve access to BC screening services and reduce waiting period.
