Behavioral factors associated with utilization of screening services for early detection of cancer among clients visiting Masinga level four hospital outpatient department

Abstract

Objectives: Behavior, which presents several avenues for targeted and sustained interventions, plays a significant role in cancer development or prevention. This study aimed at examining the behavioral factors associated with utilization of cancer screening services in Masinga sub-county, Machakos county, Kenya. Methods: The study design used was case-control with a systematic sampling method. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Chi square/Fishers exact, Odds Ratios and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine significance of the association between outcome and independent variables. The data was presented using tables and narratives. Level of significance used was 5% (Confidence level of 95%). Data was gathered from a sample size of 42 cases (screened [male: – prostate, esophageal and colorectal; female: – breast, cervical and esophageal]) and 116 controls (never been screened). Behavioral factors assessed were knowledge on cancer screening and the effect it had on utilization of cancer screening, determinants of health seeking behaviors with regard to use of screening, behavioral facilitators and barriers to screening and knowledge on preventive behaviors to cancer development such as tobacco use. Findings: All cases and 83.6% of controls had heard of cancer screening. Cases mainly cited early detection of cancer as the main reason for screening while controls cited some of the main reasons for screening such as checking for infections and early detection of cancer. Generally, there was poor knowledge on behaviors that contribute to cancer among the controls compared to cases. Noteworthy, 35.3% of the controls did not know the importance of cancer screening. Ninety-seven-point six percent of cases and 14.7% of controls reported that cancer is a preventable disease which was statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Based on the findings, special emphasis should be directed at increasing awareness, perception and dispelling the myths surrounding cancer and cancer screening at all community primary care points through well-designed health education programs.

Keywords

• Behavioral factors
• Utilization of screening
• Early detection
• Cancer