Factors Contributing to Low Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Lesotho ^†

Background: Cervical cancer is a public health concern, as a vast number of women are dying from it in Southern Africa. The study examined factors related to the low numbers of women screening for cervical cancer among women living with HIV, as they are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. The utilization of screening services seems to be low, although the diagnosis and mortality rates continue to be high.

Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Maseru, Lesotho. A questionnaire was administered to 346 women living with HIV who were attending their clinical services at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and were enrolled in the study.

Results: Sociodemographic data show that the majority of study participants were between 30 and 34 years old, married, and had attained secondary qualifications. In addition, the data show that women were cognizant of screening services for cervical cancer at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. The chi-square test indicated a significant association between married participants and cervical cancer awareness (p-value < 0.001). The odds of being aware of cervical cancer were 1.43 times higher for individuals who were married compared to those who were not married.

Conclusions: A high percentage of knowledge on screening for cervical cancer among women taking ART at this facility may be credited to the integration of screening into routine ART services. Furthermore, marital status, age, and living in urban areas are sociodemographic variables linked to knowledge or awareness of cervical cancer screening services. Therefore, more emphasis and exploration can be placed on rural areas to strengthen and cascade knowledge and awareness among these populations.