A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON INTEREST IN EARLY DETECTION OF CERVICAL CANCER AMONG WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE AT THE ONEKORE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, ENDE REGENCY

Abstract

Cancer is the leading cause of death both nationally and globally. The number of women with cervical cancer has been high in the past three years in the Onekore Community Health Center (Puskesmas) working area. Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify and analyze factors influencing early detection of cervical cancer in women with cervical cancer. Methods: The research method used was qualitative research. Data collection was conducted over a period of one month, from June to July 2025. The sampling method used was consecutive sampling. The sample size was determined based on the Slovin formula with a target sample size of at least 100 respondents. Results: The results of the study showed that 60% of respondents had good knowledge, had good attitudes, beliefs and perceptions as much as 66%, did not have access to information on cervical cancer screening as much as 76%, lacked support from health workers as much as 93%, lacked support from peers as much as 97% and had lacked support from husbands as much as 82%. The results of the analysis showed that the most dominant variable influencing WUS's interest in early detection of cervical cancer was husband's support with a p-value of 0.000 and OR 4.286, which means that WUS who were not supported by their husbands were 4.286 times more likely to not do the VIA test compared to those who were supported. Conclusion: Therefore, information dissemination is not only provided to women of childbearing age but also to men, including husbands, to help motivate women to undergo early detection of cervical cancer.