Cervical cancer screening practice and associated factors among female health care professionals in Ethiopia 2024: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: BMC cancer Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 986 - 10
• Main Authors: Lakew, Gebeyehu, Yirsaw, Amlaku Nigusie, Berhie, Alemshet Yirga, Belayneh, Asnake Gashaw, Bogale, Solomon Ketema, Andarge, Getnet Alemu, Seid, Kedir, Bogale, Eyob Ketema, Getachew, Eyob
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 09.08.2024; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Adult; Bias; Binomial distribution; Cancer screening; Cervical cancer; Cross-sectional studies; Demographic aspects; Diagnosis; Disease prevention; Early Detection of Cancer - statistics & numerical data; Ethiopia; Ethiopia - epidemiology; Female; Female health care workers; Females; Health care; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel; Human papillomavirus; Humans; Immunization; Low income groups; Mass Screening - methods; Medical examination; Medical personnel; Medical screening; Meta-analysis; Pap smear; Prevalence; Risk factors; Screening practice; Statistical analysis; Systematic review; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - diagnosis; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - epidemiology; Womens health; Workers; Ethiopia; Screening practice; Female health care workers; Cervical cancer; Ethiopia
• ISSN: 1471-2407; 1471-2407
• DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12743-3

Cervical cancer, ranking as the fourth most common gynecological cancer worldwide, claimed an estimated 570,000 lives and resulted in 311,000 new cases in 2018. This disease disproportionately affects those living in poverty and is more prevalent in countries with weak healthcare systems. Low and middle-income nations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, face higher incidence and mortality rates due to limited access to vaccines, screening, and treatment. The world health organization recommends regular screening for women from age 25, setting a 90-70-90 target for low- and middle-income countries by 2030. Despite limited previous knowledge, the study aims to assess the pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening practices and associated factors among female healthcare professionals in Ethiopia in 2024. The study aimed to synthesize the existing literature on cervical cancer screening practice and associated factors among female health workers in Ethiopia. Studies were searched through the search engine of Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. Searching was made using Keywords/ MeSH terms Cervical cancer; utilization; Preventive practice. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics. A random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval was used for the pooled prevalence and odds ratio estimations. Seven studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening practice among female health workers in Ethiopia was 18%. Work place(OR = 2.858;95% CI: 0.412, 5.305),knowledge(OR = 3.457; 95% CI: 2.314, 4.601), work experience(OR = 5.421; 95% CI:4.178,6.664),being diagnosed(OR = 10.787; 95% CI: 06.197,15.377) and ever cared of cervical cancer patient (OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 2.004, 3.856) were the pooled associated factors that are significantly associated with cervical cancer screening practice among female health care worker. The implementation of preventive measures for cervical cancer screening was found to be suboptimal. Our findings underscore the importance of enhancing awareness among this demographic, which is crucial in mobilizing local communities. It is imperative to provide continuous education to female health workers regarding cervical cancer. The Ministry of Health should collaborate with various organizations to ensure the accessibility of cost-effective screening services in all healthcare facilities.