Demographic Factors Associated with Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening among HIV/AIDS Patients in Nandi County, Kenya

Introduction: Cervical cancer is an AIDS-related sickness, since HIV-positive women have a higher incidence of persistent HPV infection, which increases the risk of developing premalignant lesion of the cervix. Early detection by screening is one way to manage cervical cancer. The study assessed the socio-demographic determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake among a target of 670 HIV/AIDS patients attending the Comprehensive Care Centre at Nandi County Referral Hospital between July and October 2020 in Kenya. Methods: It adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design, employing quantitative approach. The sample size was 190, calculated using Fisher’s formula. Sampling was by systematic and purposeful random techniques. Primary data was collected using an open- and closed-ended questionnaire. It was then analysed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to generate frequencies, percentages and means for presentation. Chi-square test of independence and logistic regression helped to test for association between socio-demographic factors and uptake of cervical cancer screening. Results: From the findings, the average was 33.8 years; majority were Christian (94.2%) and most, 152(80%), had over two children. A significant relationship existed between age (0.003), level education (0.001), and uptake of cervical cancer screening (p < 0.05). However, marital status (0.904) and number of children (0.829) did not significantly influence uptake of cervical cancer screening (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Evidently, socio-demographics of HIV-positive women greatly influence their uptake of cervical cancer screening. Consequently, the government should increase awareness on cervical cancer screening through in the county health facilities and in communities.