Abstract
BACKGROUND: Literature shows that women's sexual behavior, specifically, engagement in multiple sexual partnerships (MSP) has some association with the risk of developing cervical cancer. In the context of the Kenyan demographic and health survey, MSP is defined as having more one sexual partner excluding spouse, in last 12 months. Yet, it is unclear how engagement in MSP independently predicts women's uptake of cervical cancer screening (CCS). The study examined the association between recent MSP and CCS uptake among women of reproductive age in Kenya. METHODS: Data of 16,824 women aged 15-49 who participated in the 2022 Kenya demographic and health survey was used. Recent MSP was defined as having more than one sexual partner, excluding spouse, in last 12 months. The analysis was carried out in STATA version 18. Chi-square tests, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed. The adjusted odds ratio from the multivariable logistic regression were reported along with the 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The analysis shows that only 16.68% of the sampled women (i.e., 2,837 out of a total sample of 16,824) had ever been screened for cervical cancer by a healthcare professional. In the bivariable analysis, women who were involved in MSP were more likely [OR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.07-1.34] to undergo screening for cervical cancer compared to those not involved in MSP. This association remains significant after adjusting for confounders [AOR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.19-1.52]. CONCLUSION: The low screening rate in Kenya is concerning given the importance of early detection in improving cervical cancer outcomes. The study concludes that recent engagement in MSP is significantly associated with women's uptake of CCS. The study further concludes that there is a need for public health campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of cervical cancer screening among all women, regardless of their sexual behavior. Educational initiatives must emphasize that cervical cancer screening is crucial for all women, not just those with MSP.