Abstract
Purpose:The aim of the study was to explore and describe perceptions of midwives on Papanicolaou (Pap smear) test during pregnancy. Methods:The study used qualitative, exploratory type of design. A probability purposive sampling was used to sample 12 registered midwives based in gynaecological units in a public hospital in Tshwane District, South Africa. Open-ended questionnaires, field notes, and audio tape were used to collect data. Data analysis process involved grouping and categorization into themes and sub-themes. Results:This study showed that majority of midwives lacked scientific knowledge behind Pap smear test during pregnancy. Some of the participants could relate with the test and verbalized that there may be complications such as bleeding, which may lead to miscarriage. Conclusions: Findings showed that midwives were not performing Pap smear tests among pregnant women due lack of knowledge. This points out that Pap smear test is not prioritised as a secondary preventive tool at facility level. It is therefore recommended that refresher workshops be conducted at hospital level.
Highlights
The burden of cervical cancer has been increasing despite several efforts to curb the disease
Missed opportunistic Pap Smear tests affects the attainment of the SDG goal 3 and 5 (United Nations, 2017)
Aderonke Elizabeth Abdul et al based on the fact that Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the predominant cause of cancer of the cervix, Pap smear test during pregnancy can be opportune for early detection and treatment (Bruni et al, 2018; Julião, Savva-Bordalo and Lunet, 2017)
Summary
The burden of cervical cancer has been increasing despite several efforts to curb the disease. Southern, and western Africa (namely, eSwatini, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, Lesotho, and South Africa) were found to have the highest cervical cancer incidences (ASIR >40 per 100,000) compared to western Asia, Australia–New Zealand with ASIR
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
