INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AS A STRATEGIC TOOL FOR ENHANCING WOMEN’S UPTAKE OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA.

Abstract

The Kenyan government has continuously disseminated information on cervical cancer screening using the mass media channels but little has been achieved in terms of its uptake. Awareness in this case is not translating to uptake. Screening services are available in most referral hospitals but the uptake is still very low. A review of literature revealed that interpersonal communication channels are influential in adoption of innovations including proposed healthy behaviour. This could also be possible with cervical cancer screening. This study seeks to examine how interpersonal communication can be utilized as a tool for improving uptake of cancer screening among women seeking healthcare services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).The specific objectives of the study are: to determine cervical cancer awareness and knowledge levels in relation to uptake of screening among women seeking healthcare services at MTRH, to establish the sources of information on cervical cancer, to examine the influence of interpersonal sources of information on uptake of cervical cancer and to assess effective interpersonal communication strategies that enhance uptake of cervical cancer screening. The study will be guided by diffusion of innovations theory. Cross-sectional research design will be used in the study. Data will be obtained from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. The target population is about 1000 women seeking MCH/FP services per month. A sample size of 280 women will be drawn from the population using systematic random sampling. The study will employ mixed methods research approach. Primary data will be gathered using semi structured questionnaires, focused group discussions and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics from qualitative data will be categorized thematically and reported in emergent themes. Findings will be presented in form of percentages, frequency distribution tables, graphs, charts, themes and narrative forms. Inferential statistics from quantitative data will be analyzed using multiple regressions and correlation analysis using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The significance of each independent variable will be tested at a confidence level of 95%. The findings of the study will offer insight on how interpersonal communication channels can be utilized to improve uptake of cervical cancer screening among women globally