UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer, accounting for 30% of all cancers. It is preventable and can be detected early by various simple screening methods, such as Pap smear and Visual Inspection with acetic acid. VIA screening and cryotherapy treatment of precancerous lesions was introduced in two districts of Zimbabwe as a pilot project targeting women aged between 15 and 49 years. Screening coverage has remained at 40%, as compared to the recommended 80%. This study was done to identify factors influencing women's participation in this programme.

Methods: A population based unmatched case-control study was conducted for the women aged between 15 and 49 years in Mutoko district. A case was a woman who had undergone cervical VIA screening test in the district between May 2000 and May 2003. A control was a woman who had never undergone cervical VIA screening test in the district during the same period. Data was collected from 59 cases and 118 controls using a checklist and an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Results: Results: Evidence of having good knowledge on causes of cervical cancer [OR=3.91, 95%CI=1.91-8.11] and on prevention of cervical cancer [OR=4.16 95%CI=2.00-8.72] was significantly associated with taking the screening test for cervical cancer. Women who had positive social influence from their husbands [OR=5.75, 95%CI 2.43-13.95] and friends [OR=5.85, 95%CI 2.29-15-56] and knowledge of someone who had died of cervical cancer [OR=2.27, 95%CI=1.02-5.05] were all significantly associated with taking the test for cervical cancer. There is need to reinforce health education activities.