Email this article 
Hide
Show all
Original Research
Health facility-related barriers associated with cervical cancer screenings in the health districts of Dakar and Kédougou (2023, Senegal)
Submitted: 20 February 2026 | Published: 09 September 2026
About the author(s)
Fatoumata B. Diongue, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, SenegalIbrahima Ndiaye, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Ndeye M. Sougou, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Oumar Bassoum, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Caryn E. Peterson, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois Center for Global Health, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago Cancer Center, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Omar Gassama, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristide Le Dantec Teaching Hospitals, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar Center for Training in Women’s Health, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Sarah Abboud, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Fatou B. Seck, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Malick Anne, Office of Cancer Prevention and Control, Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Dakar, Senegal
Ndeye M. Dieng, Office of Cancer Prevention and Control, Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Dakar, Senegal
Hilaire Sarr, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Assane Sall, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Adja M. Diaw, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Aliath Salami, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Aida Fall, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Aida Barro, Faculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
J. Andrew Dykens, Center for Global Health, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Adama Faye, aculty of Medicine Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Abstract
Background: Because of low utilisation of cervical cancer screening (CCS) services, Senegal ranks 17th in the world for cervical cancer incidence.
Aim: The aim was to investigate health facility factors associated with CCS.
Setting: The study was conducted in six Senegalese health districts (Keur Massar, Yeumbeul, Diamniadio, Kédougou, Saraya and Salémata).
Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of women aged 25–69 years. A two-stage cluster survey was carried out, with a selection of census districts (CDs) followed by households. The data were collected with collection tools during individual interviews. Data were analysed using R 4.2.3 software. Univariate, bivariate analysis and logistic regression were performed.
Results: The study involved 360 women. The average age was 40.2 (± 11.5) years. A proportion of 46.5% (334 individuals) regularly went to the health facility for treatment. 18.8% of women had been screened for cervical cancer. Factors associated with screening were hearing about a CCS or the human papillomavirus vaccine, regular attendance at a traditional healer for care, regular attendance at a healthcare facility to receive care and professionalism of healthcare facility workers. Other significantly related factors were age, marital status and level of education.
Conclusion: Improving the uptake of CCS services requires a multifactorial approach, including taking into account obstacles linked to health facilities. It will involve improving attendance at health facilities through information, education and communication strategies aimed at women and health workers to contribute to maternal health.
Contribution: This study will help remove the barriers faced by healthcare facilities that limit screening, including a lack of information, reliance on traditional medicine, irregular visits to healthcare facilities, and a lack of professionalism among healthcare workers. As a result, an improvement will be observed in the utilisation of cervical cancer screening services. Policy makers will be able to use the results to implement appropriate strategies that will increase screening rates and ensure adequate care for women who test positive. This study makes a positive contribution to science and opens up avenues for further research, such as on the implementation of cervical cancer screening services.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
Total abstract views: 729Total article views: 588
