Awareness Of Cervical Cancer Screening Research Articles

Knowledge and attitude toward cervical cancer screening among women aged 30–49 years attending selected health facilities in Ethiopia: Using structural equation model

BackgroundAccording to estimates, there were 570,000 new cases of cervical cancer in 2018, making it the fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide. Almost all 342,000 deaths from cervical cancer take place in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for 90 % of deaths. Few studies use structural equation modeling to comprehensively analyze the predictors of cervical cancer screening. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer screening and its associated factors among women aged 30–49 years in Ethiopia. MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among eligible women attending health centers in Oromia and the southern nationality People regions. A systematic random sampling method was used to select 916 respondents. The data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was employed to assess the direct and indirect relationship between knowledge and attitude toward cervical cancer screening. ResultsThe overall proportion of knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer detection among women 30–49 years of age were 28 % and 57 %, respectively., income (adjusted β= 0.075, 95 % CI: 0.042, 0.091), being urban (adjusted β= 0.088, 95 % CI: 0.062, 0.093), being employee (adjusted β= 0.119, 95 % CI: 0.113, 0.342), the number of parity (adjusted β= 0.014, 95 % CI: 0.012, 0.021), usage of contraceptive (adjusted β= 0.719, 95 % CI: 0.057, 0.082) and family history of cervical cancer (adjusted β= 0.211, 95 % CI: 0.18, 0.302) were statistically significant associated factors with knowledge and Being smoker (adjusted β=-0.157, 95 % CI: 0.265, −0.141). Having multiple sexual partnership (adjusted β= 0.169, 95 % CI: 0.148, 0.349), having formal education (adjusted β= 0.118, 95 % CI: 0.052, 0.294), live in urban area (adjusted β= 0.116, 95 % CI: 0.023, 0.347), knowledge (adjusted β= 0.42, 95 % CI: 0.301, 0.567) were statistically significant associated factors with the attitude of women toward cervical cancer screening. Conclusionsand recommendation: The study highlights a lack of awareness of cervical cancer screening, highlighting the need for improved routine practices, education campaigns, and treatment provision.

Factors associated with utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIV-positive women aged 18 to 49 years at Lira regional referral hospital, Northern Uganda

BackgroundWomen with HIV have a higher risk of getting cervical cancer due to induced immunosuppression. Though this burden could be avoided through early identification and appropriate management, there is a paucity of information about the utilization of cervical cancer screening (CCS) services in Lira City, Uganda. This study investigated the level and factors associated with the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIV-positive women aged 18 to 49 years at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira City, Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study employing quantitative techniques. We used consecutive sampling to recruit 297 HIV-positive women at the ART clinic of Lira Regional Referral Hospital. A structured researcher-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the data. A modified Poisson regression using robust standard errors was performed to ascertain the factors associated with the utilization of cervical cancer screening. Prevalence ratios at 95% confidence intervals were reported.ResultsOut of 297 respondents, 175(58.9%) utilized cervical cancer screening in this study. The factors found to be associated with CCS were; having ever heard of CCS (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [PR] 1.80, 95% CI 1.31–2.49, p < 0.001), knowing where CCS is done (Adjusted PR 1.99, 95% CI 1.42–2.81, p < 0.001), fear of CCS outcomes (Adjusted PR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54–0.84,p < 0.001), not knowing whether CCS is beneficial or not (Adjusted PR 0.39, 95% CI 0.20–0.75,p = 0.005) and having friends/relatives who screened for cervical cancer (Adjusted PR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09–1.59, p = 0.005).ConclusionThe level of utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIV-positive women was suboptimal. Implementation of structured interventions aimed at improving cervical cancer screening awareness among HIV-positive women is crucial. Additionally, to increase opportunities for screening and knowledge on cervical cancer prevention, screening programs can target HIV-positive women during their routine clinic visits.

Knowledge of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among 30–49 years old rural reproductive age women in Sadi Chanka district, West Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022: A mixed method study

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the cancers affecting the female organs connecting the uterus and vagina. It is the second most common form of cancer among reproductive-age women living in Ethiopia. It is one of the preventable cancers; through effective interventions with timely screening and treatment can reduce the risk of deaths associated with the disease. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among rural reproductive-age women in Sadi Chanka district, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study supplemented with qualitative findings was conducted from February 1 to 28, 2022, with a total sample size of 867. Data collection was done by using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire using simple random sampling techniques to select representative rural women aged between 30–49 years from selected kebeles. Bivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, and the variables with a p-value less than 0.25 were recruited to the multivariable analysis. Finally, an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI and a p-value less than 0.05 was used to declare the statistically significant determinants of knowledge of cervical cancer screening. For qualitative findings, a key informant interview guide was used to collect the qualitative data through in-depth interviews. A total of nine Key Informants Interviews were selected by a purposive sampling technique. Participants’ interviews were translated, transcribed, coded, categorized, and triangulated with quantitative data. Results: In this study, the prevalence of knowledge of cervical cancer screening among reproductive-age women was 51.3% with a 95% CI of (95% CI: 47.7–54.6). The mean age of the participants was 38.50 (±4.4 SD) years, and their ages ranged from 30 to 49 years. Of all assessed factors: modern contraceptive methods use (AOR = 1.79, (95% CI: 1.21–2.63)), history of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR = 1.97, (95% CI: 1.15–3.38)), family history of cervical cancer (AOR = 2.02, (95% CI: 1.06–3.87)), and knowing women who had cervical cancer (AOR = 2.72, (95% CI: 1.96–3.79)) were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: The study revealed that, the knowledge of cervical cancer screening is found to be low, which is only 51.3% of reproductive-age women knew about cervical cancer screening. The study identified that modern contraceptive methods use, history of sexually transmitted disease, family history with cervical cancer, and knowing those women who had cervical cancer were found to be the determinants of knowledge of cervical cancer screening among reproductive-age women. Thus, the district health office and concerned stakeholders should work on interventions aimed at improving the awareness of cervical cancer screening among reproductive-age women through providing appropriate health communication activities about cervical cancer screening at the community level using health extension workers.

Barriers to cervical cancer screening faced by immigrant Muslim women: a systematic scoping review

BackgroundUptake for cervical cancer screening (CCS) is extremely low among immigrant women, particularly Muslim women, because of barriers related to religious values, beliefs, and fatalism. This scoping review aimed to summarize and analyze the findings of previous studies regarding perceived barriers to CCS among Muslim immigrant women.MethodsA search of electronic databases of peer-reviewed articles, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted. The following criteria were used for the selection of the articles: (a) the study population consisted of immigrant Muslim women, (b) CCS barriers were the main focus of the study, (c) the articles were original research articles, (d) the research was conducted within the last 10 years, and (d) the study was reported in English language.ResultsBarriers included sociodemographic factors, economic, language, cognitive, and emotional reactions. The healthcare system was classified as a community barrier, whereas culture and religion were categorized as social barriers. Beliefs that becoming ill and dying is the will of Allah and that health problems are a punishment from God were considered to be major barriers to CCS among immigrant Muslim women.ConclusionAccess to health service centers and CCS among Muslim immigrant women is challenging. Information dissemination by health care workers is needed to increase awareness of CCS and access to CCS service points among immigrant Muslim women. Physician recommendations to attend CCS also play an important role.

Health technologies as innovative tools to prevent cervical cancer in low -and-middle income countries

Introduction: Cervical cancer's mortality and morbidity, as well as the prospect of effective screening-based prevention, make it a critical area of intervention attention. By engaging social support groups in health education, participation in cervical c cancer screening and early diagnosis of the illness in the community is enhanced. In the continuous efforts to enhance cervical cancer prevention, control, and management, technology, and digital health will play a significant role. As a result of mHealth educational activities in this region, knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, and information on HPV vaccination improved. By boosting screening rates, raising awareness, and encouraging early diagnosis, mHealth methods can help reduce the symptoms of cervical cancer. These initiatives use mobile technology to give targeted and individualized information, reminders, and support, allowing individuals to be proactive in cervical cancer prevention and screening. Objective: This study shows that e-health interventions can improve cervical cancer screening awareness, intention, and uptake. It indicates that electronics may be used to reach out to poor and medium-income countries as well as minority populations all around the world. Conclusion: The mobile health age has shown promising promise for more efficient health care delivery throughout the world. The term "mobile" connotes the freedom and flexibility to complete any work, anywhere and at any time, as it may be utilized to prevent cervical cancer in women by raising public awareness about Pap smear screening. It is critical to stress that the use of health technology in cervical cancer screening programs should be accompanied by suitable infrastructure, training, and supporting policies to enable long-term sustainability and equal access to services.

Knowledge level about HPV infection and cervical cancer screening tests

Introduction: Understanding HPV and cervical cancer is vital for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. Nurses play a crucial role in implementing screening and are also at risk. This study examines nurses' knowledge and practices regarding HPV and cervical cancer screening in a tertiary center.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: It is a prospective survey study conducted with nurses. A total of 191 nurses participated in the three-part and 53-item survey that evaluated demographic data, HPV knowledge levels and cervical cancer screening awareness.&#x0D; Results: A total of 2895 nurses work at the hospital. The rate of participation in the research was 6.6% with 191 participants. The average age of the participants is 27.1. Majority of the participants are female (n: 171, 89.5%), only 20 (10.5%) are male. While 81.9% of the respondents had knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases, only 13.5% had gone to regular gynecological examinations. Despite 98.4% of the participants who had knowledge about cervical cancer and screening practices, only 11% (n:19) had undergone cervical cancer screening and 94.2% (n:180) had not received HPV vaccine. The most mis-answered question about HPV was whether current vaccines protect against both genital warts and cervical cancer. &#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, nurses' knowledge level and screening practices about HPV and cervical cancer need to be improved. It is also important to increase awareness of the HPV vaccine and encourage more people to receive it. This effort could positively impact health outcomes related to cervical cancer and HPV.

Is there an association between intimate partner violence and the prevalence of cervical cancer screening in Jordan?

Major health inequalities exist surrounding the utilisation of cervical cancer screening services globally. Jordan, a low- and middle-income country, has poor screening rates (15.8%), with barriers to accessing services, including lack of education. Emerging studies demonstrate that intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts reproductive health decisions. As a large proportion of Jordanian women have reported experiencing IPV, this study examines the association between IPV and cervical cancer screening in Jordan, the first of its kind using national-level data. Using Jordan's Demographic Health Survey 2017-18, cervical cancer screening awareness and self-reported screening were estimated in participants who answered questions on IPV (n = 6679). After applying sample weights, Heckman's two-stage probit model determined the association of awareness and utilisation of cervical cancer screening with experience of IPV, adjusting for the socio-economic factors. Of the women with privacy to answer the IPV module, 180 (3.4%) were found to be victims of sexual violence, 691 of physical violence (12.6%) and 935 (16.2%) of emotional violence. Women subjected to sexual violence were less likely to admit to having awareness of a Pap smear test; however, this did not impact screening rates. Victims of emotional violence were more likely to be screened than non-victims. No association between physical violence and cervical cancer screening was found. A significant association between cervical screening awareness and IPV demonstrates that cancer screening policies must consider IPV among women to improve screening awareness. The paper further sheds light on the paradoxical association between emotional violence and screening. It is acknowledged this situation may be far worse than reported, as women without autonomy were unlikely to answer IPV questions that may endanger them-targeted surveys on cervical cancer screening warrant further investigation.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Cervical Cancer Screening in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the serious diseases that affect women’s lives. Fortunately, cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease; early detection has reduced its mortality and morbidity worldwide. Cervical cancer screening is a global public health concern. However, there are misconceptions, stigmas, and poor awareness associated with cervical cancer. This study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitude, practice and stigmas, and misconceptions associated with cervical cancer screening in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire that included demographic information about knowledge, attitude, practice and stigmas and misconceptions associated with cervical cancer screening. Results: The study collected data from 400 participants, with a female majority (81.8%). The majority of participants were married (65%), had an undergraduate degree (64%), and fell within the 31-50 age range (43.3%). The results showed that the majority of the participants had heard of a PAP test (61.3%), 58.8% of participants had misconceptions regarding cervical cancer screening. The association between education and knowledge of PAP tests was statistically significant (p=0.000). Conclusion: This study highlights the need for public health interventions to improve knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The study recommends public interventions targeted to concern stigmas and misconceptions associated with cervical cancer screening.

Disparities in cervical cancer screening among Arabic-speaking women refugees

ABSTRACT Objectives Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among females and one of the top causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Minority women are disproportionately more vulnerable. This study addressed disparities in cervical cancer screening among Arabic-speaking women refugees. Design We conducted a cross-sectional study using qualitative and quantitative research methods at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States of America (USA). A structured phone-based survey was developed and administered in Arabic. The study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 and involved 20 participants. Results Inequity in cervical cancer screening exists among Arab women refugees (41% being up to date with their screening) compared to their English- and Spanish-speaking counterparts (51%). These women perceived that the top three barriers to cervical cancer screening were fear of cancer, language, and lack of knowledge. The top three perceived facilitators were the doctor’s recommendation, reminders from the provider’s office, and awareness of cervical cancer screening. Conclusion Our work brings unique insights into improving preventive care services for Arabic-speaking women. These findings add unique insight focused on improving preventive care in this group and can inform interventions to increase cancer screening amongst Arabic-speaking women.

Exploring factors associated with preferences for human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling among racially- and ethnically-diverse women in Minnesota: A cross-sectional study

Pap tests are still underutilized by minority women due to limited awareness of cervical cancer screening (CCS), inadequate health care access, and cultural or religious beliefs. Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling, a new CCS tool, has demonstrated potential to overcome some of these barriers. In 2021, women aged 30–65 years old were recruited across Minnesota to complete an online survey. The survey assessed five outcome measures related to HPV self-sampling: (1) awareness of test; (2) self-efficacy to conduct test; (3) location preference of test (clinic vs. home); 4) collector preference (self vs. clinician); and (5) preference of CCS strategy (HPV self-sampling vs. Pap test). Modified Poisson regressions tested associations between sociodemographic variables and outcomes. A total of 420 women completed the survey, of which 32.4% identified as Non-Hispanic white, 22.2% as Hispanic, 12.6% as Black/African-American, 28.3% as Asian, 1.9% as American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 1.4% as more than two races. Few women had heard of HPV self-sampling (6.5%), but a majority reported high self-efficacy to perform self-sampling (75.3%). Women also reported higher preferences for completing an HPV test in the clinic (52.2%) and for performing a self-collected HPV test themselves (58.7%), yet would choose a traditional Pap test over HPV self-sampling (56.0%). The low level of HPV self-sampling awareness, across all racial/ethnic groups, suggests a strong opportunity to promote widespread educational efforts around this new tool. Future HPV self-sampling research efforts should examine educational interventions targeted at healthcare providers to educate and encourage women on the importance of self-collection options.

Cervical cancer screening and vaccination: knowledge, awareness, and attitude of female staff in a Nigerian University

BackgroundPoor knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening and vaccination are significant barriers to effective cervical cancer prevention in developing countries. Knowledge of cervical cancer and vaccination against cervical cancer remains low in Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of female staff of Afe Babalola University towards cervical cancer screening and vaccinations.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire among female staff of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The workers’ knowledge and awareness were assessed using yes and no questions while the attitude was assessed using Likert scale questions. The workers’ knowledge was ranked as good (≥ 50%) and poor (< 50%) while attitude was ranked as positive (≥ 50%) and negative (< 50%). The relationship between demographics, attitude and knowledge of cervical cancer screening and vaccination was carried out using the Chi-square test. Analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 20.ResultsA total of 200 staff consented to participate in the study out of which 64% were married with mean age 32.81 ± 8.164 years. Majority (60.5%) of the participants knew the causes of cervical cancer while 7.5% strongly agreed that they do not see the need for cervical screening. Majority (63.5%) of the participants showed good knowledge while 46% had a positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening and vaccination.ConclusionsThe study participants showed good knowledge and awareness but poor attitude towards cervical cancer screening and vaccinations. Interventions and continuous education are needed to improve the population’s attitude and eliminate misconceptions.

Awareness of Cervical Cancer Screening Amongst Pakistani Medical Students and Doctors; A Systematic Review

Background Cervical cancer screening is one of the most important public health interventions for cervical cancer prevention, yet awareness among Pakistani medical students and doctors is alarmingly low. Objective: to provide an in-depth understanding of the awareness and attitudes of Pakistani medical students and doctors towards cervical cancer screening Methodology: A systematic review of the literature was conducted, and qualitative and quantitative findings from studies conducted between January 2010 and June 2022 were synthesized. Results: The research found that Pakistani medical students and doctors have limited knowledge of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening and a generally negative attitude towards cervical cancer screening. The paper also identified numerous influencing factors that contribute to the low awareness and attitudes towards the screening, such as traditional cultural beliefs, lack of training and education, and limited access to health care services. Conclusion, the research found a desperate need for interventions to raise awareness and to create an environment of acceptance and support for cervical cancer screening among Pakistani medical students and doctors. Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Screening, Pakistani Medical Students and Doctors, Knowledge, Pap smear, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Public health insurance and the risk of cancer-specific mortality in patients with cervical cancer: A Chinese prospective cohort study.

Cervical cancer has one of the highest incidence and mortality rates of any malignant tumor of the female reproductive tract, and its longer treatment period will place significant financial strain on patients and their families. Little is known about how health insurance policies influence cervical cancer prognosis, particularly in developing countries. The relationship between cervical cancer specific death and cervical cancer all-cause mortality with public health insurance, self-payment rate, and the combined effect of public health insurance and self-payment rate was investigated in this study. From 2015 to 2019, a prospective longitudinal cohort study on cervical cancer was carried out in Chongqing, China. We chose 4,465 Chongqing University Cancer Hospital patients who had been diagnosed with cervical cancer between 2015 and 2019. The self-payment rate and public health insurance are taken into account in our subgroup analysis. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we describe the demographic and clinical traits of patients with various insurance plans and self-payment rates using the chi-square test model. The relationship between cervical cancer patients with various types of insurance, the self-payment rate, and treatment modalities is examined using the multivariate logistic regression model. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we summarize the demographic and clinical traits of patients with various insurance plans and self-payment rates using the chi-square test model. The association between cervical cancer patients with various types of insurance, the self-payment rate, and treatment modalities is examined using the multivariate logistic regression model. The cumulative hazard ratio of all-cause death and cervical cancer-specific mortality for various insurance types and self-payment rates was then calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model and the competitive risk model. This study included a total of 3,982 cervical cancer patients. During the follow-up period (median 37.3 months, 95% CI: 36.40-38.20), 774 deaths were recorded, with cervical cancer accounting for 327 of them. Patients who obtained urban employee-based basic medical insurance (UEBMI) had a 37.1% lower risk of all-cause death compared to patients who received urban resident-based basic medical insurance (URBMI) (HRs = 0.629, 95% CI: 0.508-0.779, p = 0.001). Patients with a self-payment rate of more than 60% had a 26.9% lower risk of cervical cancer-specific mortality (HRs = 0.731, 95% CI: 0.561-0.952, p <0.02). The National Medical Security Administration should attempt to include the more effective self-paid anti-tumor medications into national medical insurance coverage within the restrictions of restricted medical insurance budget. This has the potential to reduce not only the mortality rate of cervical cancer patients, but also their financial burden. High-risk groups, on the other hand, should promote cervical cancer screening awareness, participate actively in the state-led national cancer screening project and enhance public awareness of HPV vaccine. This has the potential to reduce both cervical cancer patient mortality and the financial burden and impact.

Knowledge and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among female undergraduates in Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Cervical cancer (CC) is currently the fourth most common cancer among women. There are several factors which have, in recent times, posed a threat to the recognition and acceptance of CC screening in Nigeria. This study was undertaken to assess the predictors of knowledge of female undergraduates at Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria, on CC screening and the level of acceptance readiness. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 345 female undergraduates at Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria, using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson product-moment correlation at p < 0.05 level of significance. This study revealed that majority of the respondents have a substantial awareness and knowledge of CC screening (68.4%). The study suggested that health talk and level of exposure might be responsible for the good knowledge. While 47.5% were ready to undergo CC screening, 76.2% were ready to undergo the screening if a health professional performed the procedure, and 66.1% will tell their family members to go for screening. However, 49.9% reported not having the correct information on CC screening. A significant correlation was found between knowledge and acceptability of CC screening among the students (r = -0.366, p ˂ 0.05). Also, this study suggested that the age of female undergraduates is correlated with acceptance of CC screening (r = -0.221, p ˂ 0.05). As the acceptability of CC screening was high, CC screening facilities could be made available for the students. Similarly, educational interventions to improve awareness of CC screening among this population are warranted, as over one-third reported they did not have the correct information on CC screening.

Abstract A118: Uptake of cervical cancer screening services in urban Zimbabwe: Healthcare provider perspectives

Abstract Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, Zimbabwe is among the top 6 countries with the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates. Despite the disproportionate and growing burden, uptake of cervical cancer screening remains low. Little is known about the perceptions of healthcare providers who play a vital role in the provision and implementation of cervical cancer screening. This study explores healthcare provider perceptions of the factors that influence the uptake of cervical cancer screening in Zimbabwe. Methods: One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare providers currently or previously involved in cervical cancer prevention programs at select hospitals and clinics in Harare and Chinhoyi – two urban cities in Zimbabwe. A deductive thematic approach was used to analyze qualitative data to understand factors influencing the provision and uptake of cervical cancer screening. Results: We conducted 21 interviews with healthcare providers working in cervical cancer prevention for an average of 4 years. Three main themes related to the provision of cervical cancer screening were funding availability through donor support, demand of screening services, and availability of technical and human resources. Experiencing symptoms and no-cost screening services were perceived as facilitators for uptake of cervical cancer screening, while lack of adequate health education about cervical cancer and misconceptions about the screening procedure and outcomes were perceived as barriers to uptake of screening. Majority of the providers recommended increased sensitization and health education through various platforms; outreach initiatives; and training of more healthcare providers to conduct cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: This study contributes to a holistic understanding and identification of intervention points to effectively increase uptake of cervical cancer screening. Multi-level strategies promoting awareness of cervical cancer screening and strengthening healthcare systems may contribute significantly to increasing cervical cancer screening rates which in turn will lead to reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe. Citation Format: Thembekile Shato, Ucheoma Nwaozuru, Eric Adjei Boakye, Qiang John Fu, Juliet Iwelunmor, Anne Sebert Kuhlmann. Uptake of cervical cancer screening services in urban Zimbabwe: Healthcare provider perspectives [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A118.

Assessment of Cervical Cancer Prevention Strategy among Adolescent Girls: Cross-Sectional Study from North Gujarat, Western India

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer is one of the preventable and curable cancer. India has a high burden of cervical cancer than other South Asian countries. National Cancer Control Program has been implemented for long time still there is not much awareness about prevention and control strategies of cervical cancer in reproductive women as well as adolescent girls. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine level of knowledge and awareness about screening and vaccination program for cervical cancer among late adolescent girls in a university campus. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Parent University of Medical College (Sakalchand Patel University), in 6-month duration. For study purpose, we had chosen a study population of late adolescent girls studying in various streams inside university campus. A total of 105 girls were enrolled as study participants after taking written consent from the head of the institute and girls’ student. Results: All study participants were in the age group of 19–23 years learning in different streams of the university campus, residing in urban area, and upper-middle-class family. Very few were aware about cervical cancer screening test and 16.2% were aware about the correct age for screening. Only one-fourth of girls were aware about the availability of vaccine for cervical cancer and out of them 18.5% could tell correct name of vaccine, 37% correctly answered the age for vaccination. Conclusion: In our study, participants were late adolescents and young girls attending higher education (Graduate) in a university campus still the awareness of cervical cancer screening and vaccination was low.

Impact of HPV education tool on women's understanding about cervical cancer prevention

In order to avoid over screening and overtreatment, current cervical cancer screening guidelines advocate 3-year screening intervals rather than the former recommendation of annual screening. We looked examined how young women's knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination follow-up of abnormal pap smears, and comfort in speaking with their providers changed after seeing a tablet-based teaching tool prior to seeing a doctor. Prior to seeing their doctors, patients may benefit from receiving creative online patient education that will increase their understanding of cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

Implementation of the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in the Thabachweu Region of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Background: The South African National Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme offers three free cervical cytology smears to all women over the age of 30 years at 10-year intervals. The cumulative screening coverage is around 13.7%. Women still present at tertiary institutions with advanced stage cervical cancer. Objective: To quantify the implementation of the National Guideline for Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in the Thabachweu region of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Methods: An audit tool was used to select a stratified random sample with proportional allocation of 102 of the 1172 weekly clinic files retrospectively from women aged 30–50 years who consulted at 6 primary health care facilities. Results: Only 15.55% (n = 791) of women consulting at the clinics were screened for cervical cancer with a Pap smear. Of the women screened, 45.20% (n = 357) were given a follow-up Pap smear date. Pap smears were repeated in only 31.74% (n = 159) of the 501 women with suspicious results, while 4.43% (n = 21) of the 474 women with abnormal results were referred for colposcopy. Women treated for cervical cancer were not followed up. Conclusion: The National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme is far from reaching the national screening target of 70%. Implications for Practice: Practice and screening policies at primary health care facilities should be revisited, cervical cancer screening efforts must be scaled up, and challenges health care providers and women experience, explored. Foundational: Women are not adequately being screened, referred and followed up for cervical cancer. Health care providers should engage with patients to raise cervical cancer screening awareness.

Lack of Awareness, Body Confidence and Connotations of Sex: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Barriers Affecting the Decision to Attend Initial Cervical Cancer Screening

This study sought to understand how cervical cancer screening (CCS) awareness, sexual connotations and body image influenced the likelihood of CCS uptake in women yet to attend. Eleven females, aged 23–24, yet to attend CCS, were purposefully sampled. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, generating three superordinate themes: (1) building screening expectations, (2) confronting sexual connotations and (3) growing pains. Findings demonstrated how a lack of awareness of CCS and the sexual connotations implicit in CCS acted as a barrier to attendance, exacerbated by negative body image comparisons between oneself and online or social media-based images. The perceived sexual connotations of CCS, and the resulting embarrassment, bolsters the case for self-screening, removing the need to attend clinic screening appointments. Reconceptualising screening using a theoretical model of the relationship between body image disturbances and body-focused screening behaviours among women, could lead to the development of pro-screening social media interventions.

A comprehensive cross-sectional survey to identify barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening in women with HIV in Guangxi, China

BackgroundCo-infection with HIV is a strong risk factor for cervical cancer development. It is unknown whether women with HIV in Guangxi, China are utilizing currently available cervical cancer screening services, what barriers they face, and if they are aware of their increased risk of developing cervical cancer.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, we administered a survey to women with HIV aged 21–65 years from August to October 2019 in Guangxi, China. A 100-item survey was designed in English and translated into Chinese. We assessed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, identified potential barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening programs for women with HIV, and assessed potential risk factors for cervical cancer.ResultsA total of 101 participants completed the survey. The median age of participants was 38 years (IQR 34.5–44 years). Forty-seven percent of the women had been screened for cervical cancer at least once. The mean score was 5.6 out of 9 (95% CI 5.3–6.0) on the knowledge about cervical cancer and screening and 6.3 out of 10 (95% CI 5.9–6.6) for cervical cancer risk factors, respectively. Facilitators of participating in cervical cancer screening included trust and openness to healthcare workers having conversations about female health concerns. Barriers identified in our study included knowledge gaps in cervical cancer risk awareness and cervical cancer screening awareness, including the lack of knowledge of available cervical cancer screening services. Women with HIV in Guangxi are under-screened for cervical cancer.ConclusionWhen designing tailored cervical cancer screening programs for women with HIV in Guangxi, educational programs to address existing knowledge gaps will be needed to increase screening uptake in this high-risk population.