Abstract:
Background: Only 12% of Kenyan women use breast cancer (BC)screening programs. Early
identification is critical for reducing the condition’s associated morbidity and mortality. Unfor-
tunately, few studies have been conducted on the screening program’s implementation and the
causes for the low usage rates in Turbo Sub-County, Kenya. The purpose of this study was to learn
about women of reproductive age’s (WRA) practices, attitudes, and knowledge regarding BC
screening programs, as well as to investigate the potential association between lifestyle factors
and BC screening service utilization.
Methods: Mixed-method approaches were used in an analytical cross-sectional study design. The
study included 317 participants selected randomly. An interviewer-administered questionnaire
was used to collect quantitative data while focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant
interview (KII) guides were used for collecting qualitative data. The Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to manage quantitative data, whereas NVivo version 12 was
used to analyze qualitative data. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and multiple logistic regression
were used to assess the degree of relationship between BC screening service uptake and inde-
pendent variables. The qualitative data was transcribed verbatim, and the transcripts were
automatically coded to generate themes.
Results: The participants’ mean age was 30.14 (9.64). Breast cancer screening services were used
by 10.21% of the population. Women who were aware of the signs and symptoms of BC were 71.5
times more likely to undergo screening than their counterparts. Similarly, those with positive
attitudes toward BC and screening programs were 84 times more likely to get screened than those
with negative attitudes. Breastfeeding increased the likelihood of BC screening by OR = 37 (95%CI: 0.00–0.32), physical activity by OR = 37 (95% CI: 0.00–0.25), and chronic illnesses by OR =
37 (95% CI: 0.00–0.17).
Conclusion: Knowledge of signs and symptoms of BC and a positive attitude towards perceived
barriers enhanced the probabilities of BC screening. Being physically active, breastfeeding, and
having a chronic disease all increased the odds of BC screening uptake. To improve screening
rates, it is necessary to provide sufficient information to those who are least likely to be screened.