Abstract / Summary
Abstract Introduction: Cervical cancer screening in Uganda has remained relatively low, with less than 10% eligible women screened, despite the availability of cervical cancer screening services in most health facilities. The objective of this study was to assess the barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening uptake among women aged 21–65 years in Marembo Ward, Kitagata town council in Sheema District. Methodology: This research study employed mixed-methods design using concurrent triangulation design for qualitative approach and cross-sectional design for quantitative approach to gather in-depth insight into the barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening. We recruited a total of 100 participants and conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) with the women aged 21–65 years in Marembo Ward, Sheema District. The participants for FGDs were chosen through convenient sampling methods. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques and quantitative data were analysed using multiple logistic regression for odds ratios at a p-value < 0.05. Results Screening uptake was low at 18.0%. Socio-demographic facilitators were age 31–45 years (AOR = 3.54, p = 0.031), tertiary education (AOR = 14.20, p < 0.001), and formal employment (AOR = 5.11, p = 0.029). Individual barriers included lack of information (69.0%), fear of positive results (62.5%), and fear of pain (54.9%). Significant institutional facilitators were service affordability (83.3%) and peer influence (77.8%). Qualitative themes, revealed instrument-related fears, restricted service utilization. Conclusion Cervical cancer screening uptake is critically low, constrained by socio-demographic disparities, institutional barriers, and cultural norms. To improve utilization, interventions must address spousal dynamics, optimize health systems by deploying female examiners.