HEALTH CARE SEEKING BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING USING HEALTH BELIEF MODEL AND ASSOCISTED FACTORS AMONG GURAGE ZONE WOMEN, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: - Cancer is a diverse group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cervical cancer, specifically, begins in the cervix which is the narrow passage connecting the uterus to the vagina. Globally, cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women. World Health organization strongly recommends that women adhere to regular screening protocols established by their local healthcare systems. In Gurage zone as well as central Ethiopia, there are limited studies available on health seeking behavior toward cervical cancer screening. Objectives:-To assess the health care seeking behavior towards cervical cancer screening and to identify its associated factors among Gurage zone women, Central Ethiopia Method: - A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Gurage Zone from December 1, 2024-January 30, 2025 among 591 participants using multistage sampling method and 6 FGD was done with 50 participants. Following data collection, information was entered into Epi Data software then exported to SPSS for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics utilized frequency distributions, while analytical methods included binary logistic regression to examine relationships between various factors and screening behaviors. Result: - Among participants of this study 30.8% (95% CI: 27% - 35%) had positive health care seeking behavior. Government employees showed 78% (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09–0.53; *p* = 0.001) lower and housewives were 55% (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.22–0.93; *p* = 0.031) less likely to have health care seeking behavior towards cervical cancer screening compared to farmers. Women who believed treatment was available were 11.4 times more likely to have health care seeking behavior towards cervical cancer screening (AOR = 11.44, 95% CI: 5.32–24.60; *p* < 0.001). Conclusion and recommendation: - based on this study, the health care seeking behavior towards cervical cancer screening is low. It is significantly associated with occupation, perceived severity, the availability of treatment and prevention and perceived barriers. Availing services in nearby facility and optimizing transportation system to service area will increase the performance.