Determinants of cervical cancer screening among women aged 30 to 49 years in 20 low- and middle-income countries: A multilevel analysis

by Mequanent Dessie Bitewa, Thomas Kidanemariam Yewodiaw, Aysheshim Asnake Abneh, Mikias Getahun Molla, Mulat Belay Simegn, Tadele Sinishaw Jemere, Mequannt Alemu Endayehu, Aysheshim Belaineh Haimanot, Werkneh Melkie Tilahun, Atirsaw Assefa Melikamu, Tadele Derbew Kassie Background Cervical cancer is preventable, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer death in women. About 90% of cases and 94% of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Limited access to screening drives high incidence and mortality. Screening is central to secondary prevention and global elimination efforts.

Objective This study aimed to assess determinants of cervical cancer screening among women aged 30–49 years in low- and middle-income countries: a multilevel analysis. Methods A cross-sectional study used nationally representative data from 148,605 weighted women aged 30–49 years in 20 LMICs (2019–2024).

Multilevel logistic regression identified factors associated with cervical cancer screening while accounting for cluster-level variation. Statistical significance was set at p Result Overall cervical cancer screening uptake was 14.03% (95% CI: 13.63–14.45%), ranging from 0.92% in Mauritania to 42.98% in Zambia.