Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a significant global health issue, with low screening uptake rates in many regions, including Saudi Arabia. This study sought to understand the barriers and enablers of cervical cancer screening among Saudi women, particularly in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVES: To identify barriers and enablers influencing cervical cancer screening uptake among Saudi women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, among 418 Saudi women aged 21-65. A questionnaire collected data on demographics, reproductive health, service utilization, and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening. Statistical tests such as the chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were used for inferential analyses to determine significance, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The study identified significant factors influencing cervical cancer screening uptake, including age, marital status, and household monthly income (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.018, respectively). Health conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and miscarriage history also showed significant associations with screening uptake (p<0.001, p=0.009, and p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, the availability of screening services and encouragement from healthcare providers were linked to higher screening rates (p<0.001 and p=0.006, respectively). However, perceived benefits, barriers, susceptibility, and seriousness were not significantly associated with screening uptake (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study identified several demographic and healthcare service utilization factors influencing cervical cancer screening uptake among Saudi women. These findings can be instrumental in informing public health measures, awareness campaigns, and healthcare policies aimed at increasing cervical cancer screening rates in Saudi Arabia.