Cervical cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Botswana. Papanicolaou (Pap) cervical cytology screening has helped to reduce
cervical cancer rates dramatically through early detection of premalignant lesions in countries with screening programmes that have been well
implemented. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to describe the women’s perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer and the
association between socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 300 participants were selected by convenience sampling techniques. Participants’
mean age was 37 years (SD=11). Results indicated that cervical cancer screening rates were 39%. Most of those that had ever been screened for
cervical cancer (64%), had been screened in the previous three years. Most of the participants (75%) were aware of their perceived susceptibility to
cervical cancer. There was a significant association between perceived susceptibility and screening for cervical cancer (c2
=20.86; p<0.001). Among
those with low perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer, 31% had screened for cervical cancer as compared to 59% screening rates among those
with high perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. Those with high perceived susceptibility were 3.2 times more likely to screen for cervical cancer
(OR=3.24; 95% CI:1.937–5.43) than those with low perceived susceptibility. High susceptibility rates significantly associated with being married
(c2
=9.44; p=0.051), employed (c2
= 13.077; p < 0.001), monthly income more than $411 (c2
= 15.457; p < 0.004) and peri-urban residential
status (c2
= 14.280; p = 0.001). Perceived susceptibility was significantly associated with cervical cancer screening. Education programmes geared
towards increasing perceived susceptibility can significantly improve uptake of cervical cancer screening in Botswana as well as address issues of
barriers and misconceptions