Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness and Uptake among Female Health Sciences Students at Islamic University in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women in Uganda. This study assessed awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening among female health science students at the Islamic University in Uganda.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 189 female students using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results: While 84.7% of respondents were aware of cervical cancer, only 57.7% had acceptable knowledge of symptoms, and merely 11% had ever been screened.
Conclusion: Despite high awareness, cervical cancer screening uptake is very low. Targeted educational and screening interventions are urgently needed.