Low-Cost Interventions to Improve Cervical Cancer Screening: An Integrative Review.

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Although screening can reduce CC incidence, screening programs are difficult to implement in resource-limited countries, making innovative interventions necessary. PubMed®, MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, LILACS, and SciELO databases were searched for studies published within the past five years that explored interventions to improve CC screening. Of the 486 articles identified, 35 were included in the review. The evidence was summarized, analyzed, and organized by theme. Several low-cost interventions improved aspects of CC screening, most of which were associated with a significant increase in adherence and uptake. Other interventions led to better baseline knowledge and involvement among patients and healthcare providers and a higher proportion of patients receiving treatment. Screening programs can use single or multiple approaches and match them to the local conditions and available resources. By understanding the various interventions that can mitigate CC incidence, healthcare providers can select the best approach to reach women eligible for CC screening.