Knowledge Attitude And Practices Towards Spouse Utilization Of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Men At Ggaba Market Kampala

Abstract

Background Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Uganda. Many studies particularly in areas like family planning, antenatal care HIV care have identified male involvement as key factor affecting reproductive health outcomes and as access to cervical cancer screening improves in resource-poor settings, especially through the integration of HIV and cervical cancer services, it is important to explore the role of male partner support in women’s utilization of screening and treatment. The study intended to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practice of men towards spouse utilization of cervical cancer screening.

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted with sample size of 200 men of all ages working in Ggaba market. Men with female partners were selected randomly and recruited. A semi- structured questionnaire covering items in socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice related to cervical cancer screening was administered.

Results The study showed the most participants knew what cervical cancer and screening was but Specific knowledge on the cause, risk factors, clinical presentation, eligibility and prevention was low. Most men perceived their partners to be at risk for cervical cancer (56%), willing to pay for the test (57%) and many reported that a positive screen would be emotionally upsetting. However, majority (72.5%) said they did not encourage their partners to get screened.

Conclusions Basing on the findings, future educational interventions on cervical cancer should be tailored towards both men and women. More research is required among both men and couples to better understand barriers to male support role.