Cervical Cancer Screening Utilization Among Female Health Workers in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the high incidence of cervical cancer, the screening coverage is low in developing countries, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among female health workers in Ethiopia. METHODS: All published literatures were searched using extensive international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, HINARI, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. The pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening and the effect size of its determinants were illustrated using forest plots, and a DerSimonian-Laird random effect model with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening among female health workers in Ethiopia was 17.4% (95% CI: 13.4, 21.3). Being trained in cervical cancer screening (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.44), good knowledge about cervical cancer screening (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.61), having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.11, 301), and having a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.44, 4.47) were the main pooled predictors of cervical cancer screening utilization among female health workers in Ethiopia. CONCLUSIONS: Only one in every six female health workers was screened for cervical cancer in Ethiopia. Training in cervical cancer screening, knowledge of cervical cancer screening, multiple sexual partners, and STIs were the main determinants of cervical cancer screening utilization. Improving the health professionals' knowledge on cervical cancer screening through providing training on cervical cancer screening would be needed to increase the level of cervical cancer screening.