Role of Health Education on Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake at Health Centers of Addis Ababa

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of death among women in developing countries including Ethiopia. Despite its grave outcome, it can also be prevented if detected early. However, awareness about the illness in general and about its way of prevention and the availability of screening and treatment of the illness in specific is limited. Hence, this study aims to determine the role of health education on cervical cancer screening uptake at the health centers of Addis Ababa. Methods: Two arm clustered randomized control trial was conducted at eight primary health centres that provide cervical cancer screening services using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening method in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The eight selected health centers were stratified into two groups as intervention and non-intervention (four intervention and four control groups). Women aged 30-49 years who sought care from these government health centers at family planning, immunization services and children’s clinics (who are underage of five years) and who never screened for cervical cancer participated in the study. In the intervention health centers, all eligible women received a one-to-one brief health education and a brochure concerning cervical cancer in general and the benefits of cervical cancer screening. After two months of time, following the initial data collection, follow-up data were collected to check whether they were screened for cervical cancer by a phone call. Result: A total of 2,139 women participated in the study, 215 (10%) were screened for cervical cancer, where 151(70%) were from the intervention health centers. Seventy-four percent (74%) of screened women in the intervention health facilities reported that their awareness about the benefits of screening came from either the one to one health education or the print media. Women from the intervention health centers had higher odds of screening (AOR= 2.43,95%CI;1.58-2.90) than those from the control facilities. Women with a first degree or above were two times more likely to screen (AOR=2.03,95%CI;(1.15-2.58) than those who had no formal education. History of STI increased the odds of screening (AOR=1.55,95%CI;1.01-2.40). Conclusion and Recommendation-Providing health education supported by printed educational materials in our case brochure increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening. We recommend integrating one-to-one health education and administering educational brochure about cervical cancer screening with the existing maternal health programs.