Public hospitals preparedness in the provision of breast and cervical cancer services in busia and trans-nzoia counties in kenya

Abstract Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. This study aimed to determine the preparedness of public health care facilities in the provision of breast and cervical cancer services by assessing healthcare provider’s knowledge on risk factors, screening, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases as well as availability of medical equipment required in their management in Western Kenya. This was achieved by using a cross-sectional service provision assessment (SPA) baseline survey technique in Busia and Trans-Nzoia counties of Western Kenya between October and December 2018. Data was collected using an interviewer-assisted questionnaires from healthcare workers, while a structured facility questionnaire was used to assess the level of preparedness of the selected public healthcare facilities. We enrolled 73 healthcare workers 37 (50.6%) of whom were nurses, followed by clinical officers and medical officers. The highest proportion of knowledge on risk factors and screening of breast and cervical cancer was reported among medical officers and consultant physicians while nurses scored highly on the symptoms of breast and cervical cancer. The medical equipment required for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnosis were found in most healthcare facilities; however, none of them had core-biopsy needles. A single LEEP equipment was found in a health center within Trans Nzoia County while two LEEP equipment were stationed at the Busia county hospital. We report a below average level of knowledge on breast and cervical cancer among the healthcare workers at public healthcare facilities in both Busia and Trans Nzoia counties. There was a disparity in the distribution and quantity of priority medical equipment for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast and cervical cancer in the two county hospitals. There is need for capacity building among healthcare workers as well as standardization in the distribution and utilization of these medical equipment.