Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unmet need for breast cancer screening refers to a situation where women within the recommended screening age group who have engaged with healthcare services in the last 12 months but have never undergone a breast examination by a healthcare professional. Gaining insights into the extent of unmet need for breast cancer screening is essential for designing targeted interventions to improve screening uptake and reduce screening inequalities. It is for this reason that the study sought to examine the prevalence and factors associated with unmet need for breast cancer screening among Ghanaian women. METHODS: Using the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, we analyzed data of 3,317 women aged 25-49. Women aged 15-24 years were excluded in line with screening recommendations. Cross-tabulations, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: There was a high unmet need for breast cancer screening among women in Ghana (67.7% [65.2-70.1]). Women who reported using the internet often had a lower likelihood of unmet need compared to those who never used the internet (AOR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.64-1.00). Also, women aged 45-49 years had lower odds of unmet need than those aged 25-29 years (AOR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.44-0.78). Compared to those with no formal education, women with secondary education (AOR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.44-0.73) and higher education (AOR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.19-0.37, p < 0.001) had significantly lower odds. Exposure to media was also protective (AOR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.62-0.93). Women who reported that money for treatment (AOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.01-1.55) and distance to a health facility (AOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.01-1.55) were big problems had higher odds of unmet need. There was an inverse association between wealth status and unmet need, with poorest women having the highest odds of unmet need for breast cancer screening (AOR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.29-2.57). CONCLUSION: Unmet need for breast cancer screening is high in Ghana. Improving formal education, alleviating poverty and addressing health accessibility challenges could significantly reduce the high unmet need for breast cancer screening in Ghana.