The association between intimate partner violence and cervical cancer screening among women of childbearing age: A South African Case Study

Abstract

Abstract Background In South Africa, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer. Amidst the disease’s prevalence is the presence of Intimate Partner Violence in South Africa, which could impair the ability of women to undergo cervical cancer screening. Thus, illustrating its negative implications on health-seeking behavior. This study examined if, and how intimate partner violence among women aged between 15 and 49 years is associated with cervical cancer screening. Methods The study used cross-sectional data from the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2016. The population of interest was women aged between 15 and 49 years that underwent cervical cancer screening. Bivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between cervical cancer screening and each of the study’s independent variables. Finally, a binary regression model was used to determine the association between intimate partner violence and cervical cancer screening among women aged between 15 and 49 years, whilst controlling for other variables. Results The study found that 39% of women aged between 15 and 49 years underwent cervical cancer screening in South Africa at least once in their lifetime. Women that experienced intimate partner violence were more likely to undergo cervical cancer screening compared to women that did not experience intimate partner violence (UOR: 1.33; p < 0.05; CI: 1.07–1.65 and AOR: 1.46; p < 0.05; CI: 1.14–1.86). Area of residence, age, educational attainment, province, wealth quantile, ethnicity, number of sex partners, frequency of cigarette smoking, contraception, and health insurance were also found to be statistically associated with cervical cancer screening. Conclusion The study contributed to our understanding of predictors of cervical cancer screening in South Africa, particularly the association between intimate partner violence and cervical cancer screening. It found that women who experience intimate partner violence are more likely to undergo cervical cancer screening compared to women that do not experience intimate partner violence. This is because women who experience intimate partner violence are at greater risk of contracting cervical cancer. Thus, their need to undergo cervical cancer screening. This highlights the severity of intimate partner violence in South Africa and the health risks it poses to women, particularly regarding cervical cancer.