Exploring Women’s Challenge to Pap Smear Attendance and Colposcopy Referral: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: The greatest protection against cervical cancer can be achieved through the combination of cervical screening via repeated Pap tests and HPV vaccination before first sexual intercourse. This study aimed to explore women’s perceptions and experiences of Pap test and colposcopy examination to avoid advance stage of cervical cancer. Methods: An exploratory qualitative approach was carried out using face-to face semi-structured interviews with 22 women attending for their Pap test appointment or colposcopy examination in the main hospital in Kirkuk, Iraq. The study took place between October 2019 and March 2020. The collected data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: The findings revealed gap in knowledge regarding Pap test and colposcopy investigation among participants. Overall, three main categories emerged during data analyses namely, women’s awareness of Pap test; challenges to access cervical screening and colposcopy services; women’s views and suggestions to improve their access to cervical screening cervices. Conclusion: Currently, women living in Iraq have no access to regular cervical screening due to unavailability of the cervical screening programme in Iraq. This study provides evidence to develop strategies to enhance the existing cervical cancer prevention services. Health policy makers should consider the establishment of regular population based cervical screening. Health promotion efforts and interventions should focus on challenges and barriers influence the screening behavior among women living in Iraq.