Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), mainly due to low screening uptake. Mass media exposure (including radio, newspapers, and television) can play a key role in promoting health services utilisation; however, little is known about its relationship with cervical cancer screening uptake in SSA. This study examined the association between mass media exposure and cervical cancer screening uptake among women aged 30-49 years in four SSA countries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2022 and 2023 in four SSA countries: Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania. A pooled weighted sample of 26,936 women aged 30-49 years was analysed. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between mass media exposure and cervical cancer screening uptake. Adjusted odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening was 15.2% (95% CI: 14.5-15.9), with the lowest rate in Ghana at 7.3% and highest in Kenya at 27.0%. The multivariable analysis revealed that women exposed to mass media were 74% more likely to have been screened for cervical cancer (AOR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.40-2.16.) compared to those without media exposure. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a positive association between mass media exposure and uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in SSA. This highlights the important role that mass media can play in promoting the uptake of screening in the region. Thus, increasing access to media platforms, such as radio, television, and newspapers could enhance awareness and participation in cervical cancer screening services, ultimately helping reduce the disease burden in SSA.