Factors Influencing the Uptake of Breast Cancer Screening Services among Women of Reproductive Age: A Case Study of Turbo Sub-county, Kenya

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.