The Effect of Perceived Social support on Cervical Cancer Screening among Nepali women residing in Dhulikhel and Banepa municipality

Abstract

Background Cervical cancer ranks as the most common cancer among Nepalese women with a high incidence and mortality. Despite evidence that effective screening programs reduce disease burden, screening services are under-utilized. In various other countries, perceived social support has been shown to increase cervical cancer screening uptake among women. Objectives This study assessed the association between perceived social support and cervical cancer screening uptake among women residing in semi-urban areas of Kavrepalanchok district (Dhulikhel and Banepa), Nepal. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among women aged 30-60 years using telephone interview method from 15th June to 15th October 2021. A validated Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was utilized to measure perceived social support. We obtained information on cervical cancer screening uptake through self-reported responses. A Mann Whitney analysis was performed to assess the association between perceived social support and cervical cancer screening uptake. Results Four hundred twenty-six women participated in the study. There was a significant association between significant others' social support (p-value=0.007, 95% CI: 0.08-0.53) and family social support (p-value=0.04, 95% CI: 0.003-0.4). Conclusion Women residing in semi-urban areas of Nepal who had higher perceived social support from their significant other and family were more likely to have been screened for cervical cancer. Community interventions fostering conversations about reproductive health between husbands and their wives may increase perceived social support and contribute to higher uptake of cervical cancer screening. Key Words: Cervical cancer screening; perceived social support; women; Nepal