KUMJ | VOL. 24 | NO. 2 | ISSUE 95 | APRIL - JUNE, 2026

Socioeconomic Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among Women in Dhulikhel and Banepa Municipalities Nepal
Manno J, Regmi U, Paudel P, House DR, Shrestha A, Shakya S, Paneru B

Abstract:
Background Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. In Nepal, however, most women are at risk due to the underutilization of screening services that significantly contribute to preventing cervical cancer. Objective To investigate the socioeconomic and sociodemographic disparities that impact the utilization of cervical cancer screening in Dhulikhel and Banepa municipalities. Method This study utilized secondary data analysis of the cross-sectional survey on cervical cancer screening uptake conducted by Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal. A quantitative survey was conducted from February 2021 to July 2022, with women participants aged 30-60 who were eligible for cervical cancer screening. Socioeconomic characteristics, including age, sex, ethnicity, religion, marital status, annual income, and education, were collected. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of socioeconomic factors with cervical cancer screening uptake. Result Of the 1625 participants, 1206 (74.2%) were screened via self-sampling. About onethird were Brahmin (33.8%) or had no formal education (32.9%), and half (50.0%) were engaged in agriculture. Screening uptake was significantly associated with ethnicity, education, and occupation. Newar women had 30% lower odds of screening than Brahmin/Chhetri (aOR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.41–0.91; p = 0.012), while women with education above secondary level had 60% higher odds than those with no formal education (aOR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.02–2.4; p = 0.03). Homemakers (aOR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.34–0.84; p = 0.007) and self-employed women (aOR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.35–0.68; p < 0.001) had lower odds of screening compared to farmers. Conclusion Women from the Newar ethnic group, those with lower levels of education, homemakers, and self-employed individuals were less likely to undergo cervical cancer screening. Tailored interventions targeting these groups could help improve screening uptake.
Keyword : Cervical cancer, Screening, Socioeconomic factors, Nepal