Cervical cancer screening uptake and its predictors among women aged 30–49 in Ghana: Providing evidence to support the World Health Organization’s cervical cancer elimination initiative

Abstract

Our findings highlight critical disparities in cervical cancer screening uptake in Ghana, particularly emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address the lower screening rates among women in the Western, Oti, Savannah, and North East regions. The significant association between cervical cancer screening uptake and healthcare access, media exposure, and wealth underscores the importance of enhancing healthcare infrastructure and outreach in underserved regions. To improve screening rates, it is recommended that public health initiatives focus on increasing awareness through community education programs, promoting health facility visits, and leveraging media platforms to disseminate information about cervical cancer screening. Additionally, policies should aim to reduce geographical and socioeconomic barriers, ensuring equitable access to screening services across all regions, especially for women in lower wealth quintiles.