Research Article
Factors Influencing the Awareness of Cervical Cancer Screening and Practice Among Women Attending Butaro District Hospital, Burera District, Rwanda, 2025
Niyihoza Roger Chadrack
,
Tefera Tezera Negera*,
Eric Mugabo
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
71-82
Received:
27 May 2026
Accepted:
8 June 2026
Published:
14 October 2026
Abstract: Persisting as a substantial global health burden for women, even though Cervical cancer is largely preventable through early screening, with HPV vaccination. Globally, cervical cancer stands as fourth most frequent malignancy affecting women. This study assesses the factors influencing awareness and practices of cervical cancer screening among women attending Butaro District Hospital in Burera District. A descriptive cross-sectional with quantitative method was used, with purposive sampling targeting women aged 21-65 years attending the hospital’s family planning department. The sample size involved 250 participants. Data was collected using structured, closed-ended questionnaires, and analyzed in SPSS Version 31.0.0. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, and Logistic regression, with p value < 0.05. Only 53.6% of women demonstrated good awareness, while 46.4% had poor awareness. Screening practice was reported by 63.1% (95% CI: 56.9-69.0) Awareness significantly influenced screening compared to poor awareness (OR = 2.601, 95% CI [1.524-4.439], p < 0.001). For Socio-demographic, higher income (AOR = 3.140, 95% CI [1.333-7.393], p = 0.009) increase the screening practice compared with lower income. Secondary education and above (AOR = 3.371, 95% CI [1.495-7.603], p = 0.003) compared to primary or no formal education. Being married increased the odds of screening AOR = 4.200, 95% CI [1.375-12.830], p = 0.012). Cervical cancer screening practices among women in Rwanda remain constrained by poor awareness, low education, poverty, and single marital status. Therefore, strengthening procedure-focused health education at facility level, and expanding outreach screening services is essential to increase cervical cancer screening uptake.
Abstract: Persisting as a substantial global health burden for women, even though Cervical cancer is largely preventable through early screening, with HPV vaccination. Globally, cervical cancer stands as fourth most frequent malignancy affecting women. This study assesses the factors influencing awareness and practices of cervical cancer screening among wome...
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Research Article
Factors Associated with Access to Physical and Functional Rehabilitation Services Among Children with Disabilities in Selected District Hospitals in Rwanda, 2026
Dushime Yvonne Roxanne*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
83-94
Received:
17 June 2026
Accepted:
6 July 2026
Published:
26 October 2026
Abstract: Approximately 15% of the global population live with physical disabilities, with 80% from low-income countries. In Rwandan, current data show that there are an estimated 8012 children with disabilities. This study aimed to determine factors influencing accessibility of physical and functional rehabilitation services for children with disabilities at Byumba L2TH, Kibuye RH and Ruhengeri L2TH, Rwanda respectively. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study had caretakers of the children with disabilities as target population with sample size of 419. Quantitative, and qualitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews using closed ended questionnaire and KIIs, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics analysis, in SPSS v31, and thematic analysis in NVivo v15 software. From results, 28.4% (95% CI: 24.2-32.9) of children adhered to prescribed rehabilitation services. Different enabling factors had significant implications, children from high income families had 4.63 times odds of access than ones from low-income families (AOR = 4.626, 95% CI [2.101-10.187], p < 0.001), traveling 0-5 km distance increased the odds of access compared with high than 5 km by 4.44 times (AOR = 4.447, 95% CI [2.346-8.432], p < 0.001), compared with high transport costs, lower costs increase the access by 6.53 times (AOR = 6.527, 95% CI [3.692-11.538], p < 0.001), affordability of services had 2.67 odds of increase the access (AOR = 4.371, 95% CI [2.462-7.761], p < 0.001). The availability of rehabilitation services was universally accessible (100%), while prosthetic and occupational therapy were severely limited (33.3%). For perceived needs, caretakers emphasized financial support, provision of assistive devices, stigma reduction, improved service delivery, and awareness campaigns. This study suggests the strengthening of community-based rehabilitation, integrating services into primary health care, ensuring affordability, and addressing stigma are essential.
Abstract: Approximately 15% of the global population live with physical disabilities, with 80% from low-income countries. In Rwandan, current data show that there are an estimated 8012 children with disabilities. This study aimed to determine factors influencing accessibility of physical and functional rehabilitation services for children with disabilities a...
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