Factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT

Despite cervical cancer being a highly preventable disease, it is the fourth most common cancer among women in both incidence and mortality. Cervical cancer screening is crucial in preventing the disease. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at higher risk of cervical cancer because of their immune-compromised state. We aimed to determine factors associated with cervical cancer screening among WLHIV in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region among 297 WLHIV attending care and treatment centers (CTC) in northern Tanzania between August 21 and September 3, 2020; and interviewed using a questionnaire. Logistic regression model determined factors associated with cervical cancer screening at 5% significance level. Half (50.2 %) of the 297 WLHIV had ever screened for cervical cancer. WLHIV with positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening (AOR = 3.48, 95 % CI 1.86, 6.51) and those who received information on cervical cancer from Health Care Providers (HCP) (AOR = 17.31, 95 % CI 6.00, 50.22) had higher odds of ever being screened for cervical cancer. Lower odds of screening (AOR = 0.50, 95 % CI 0.27, 0.96) were among women diagnosed with HIV within the past three years. WLHIV having a positive attitude towards screening and received cervical cancer screening information from HCP, were likely to have ever screened. Women newly diagnosed with HIV are less likely to have ever screened. HCPs at CTC are an important source of information about screening and for promoting cervical cancer screening among WLHIV. Special attention should be given to women newly diagnosed with HIV.