Cervical cancer screening uptake and its associated factor in Sub-Sharan Africa: a machine learning approach.

Journal: BMC medical informatics and decision making
Published Date: May 26, 2025

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer, which includes squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is preventable through early screening, but incidence and mortality rates are significantly higher in LMICs, with 94% of deaths occurring in these regions. Poor implementation of screening programs, in addition to multiple health system barriers, leads to a high burden from cervical cancer in these countries. Projections show increasing cases and deaths due to the disease by 2030. Using machine learning instead of the usual statistical tests will incorporate the complex and non-linear relationship of factors in predicting the outcome variable.

Authors

  • Fetlework Gubena Arage
    Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
  • Zinabu Bekele Tadese
    Department of Health Informatics, College of Medicine and Health Science, Samara University, Samara, Ethiopia.
  • Eliyas Addisu Taye
    Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
  • Tigist Kifle Tsegaw
    Department of Public Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
  • Tsegasilassie Gebremariam Abate
    Department of Maternal and Child Health, Lemi Kura Subcity Health Office, Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Eyob Akalewold Alemu
    Department of Public Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

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