Abstract:

Background: worldwide cervical cancer is an important public health problem among women, which comprises approximately 12% of all cancers in women. Tanzania, the estimated incidence rate is 50.9 with mortuary rate of 37.5 per 100,000 women, which indicates a high disease burden. Cervical cancer screening control, and it is associated with reduced incidence and mortality from the disease.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine knowledge and barriers that are associated with the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in Moshi Rural District

Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted with a sample of 354 women aged 18 to 69 years residing in Moshi Rural District. A multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select eligible women.

Results: A 80(22.6%) of the percipients had ever received screening for cervical cancer. Less than a quarter 68 (19.2%) were aware about cervical cancer screening and prevention. The most significant barriers to screening include; belief that women should have regular cervical cancer checks (OR=3.483.95%CI=1.686-5.893), awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention (OR=8.899.95%CI =2.139-16.025) and distance to the facility which provides cervical cancer screening (OR=3.980.95%CI =0.180-5.104).

Conclusion: it is important to increase accessibility and coverage of cervical cancer screening service. Awareness campaigns mist inform people about cervical cancer and address their attitudes about the importance of screening.