Awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward cervical cancer screening and prevention in Uganda

Objectives: Cervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Uganda, posing a significant burden with high mortality rates. Early detection through screening is crucial to reduce cervical cancer mortality. This study aimed to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward cervical cancer and its screening among residents in the central and western regions of Uganda. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, during October and November 2023 in Kampala City, Mbarara City, and Mbarara District. A total of 2000 men and women aged >= 20 years participated in the study. Results: Among the respondents, 95 % were aware of cervical cancer, 85.1 % knew about cervical cancer screening, 37.8 % had heard of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and only 18.9 % recognized HPV as a major risk factor. Among females, 35 % had undergone cervical cancer screening. The most significant barrier preventing access to screening was a lack of knowledge (74.1 %). More than half of the respondents considered cervical cancer to be a fatal disease (52.9 %), and 93.7% of females expressed willingness to undergo screening if provided for free. Conclusion: While awareness of cervical cancer and its screening was high, knowledge of HPV and actual cervical cancer screening rates were low, despite a high willingness to undergo screening. Increased investment in education and awareness campaigns, along with an organized cervical cancer screening program, is warranted to promote screening and reduce the cervical cancer burden in Uganda.