Perception Of Cervical Cancer Screening Research Articles

Medical students' perceptions of cervical cancer screening in women deprived of their liberty

Objective: To report on the experience of medical students in carrying out preventive examinations on women deprived of their liberty. Methodology: This is a descriptive study based on the experience of five students in the teaching-service-community integration IV course. Results: Active listening was essential in enabling us to understand the realities and complaints of these women. The activity made it possible to observe that incarcerated women often have a history of sexually transmitted diseases and low socioeconomic and educational levels. It also highlighted the barriers encountered in implementing preventive health measures in the prison context. Conclusion: The experience made it possible to observe the reality of the social vulnerability of women deprived of their liberty. It also provided us with personal growth and better adherence to the teaching-learning process, in order to implement effective health promotion and prevention actions in post-academic practice.

The perception of cervical cancer screening and prevention among Saudi women.

e17519 Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth cause of malignancy-related deaths among women globally. In Saudi Arabia, it is the 8th most prevalent cancer and the 7th cause of cancer mortality among women between the ages of 15–44. There is a limited national data on the awareness of CC, human papilloma virus (HPV), and knowledge of screening and prevention. We present the largest national study to date investigating knowledge of Saudi women toward CC, the HPV vaccine, Pap smear, and influencing factors of their application. Methods: A structured questionnaire of 22 questions included demographic data, CC awareness and associated risk factors, evaluation of Pap-smear and HPV vaccine knowledge and their application was constructed and validated. Participants were exclusively female. It was distributed across the country and scored according to a pre-defined scoring system. Influencing factors of CC, Pap-smear and HPV vaccine knowledge and awareness were examined. A regression model to predict the possibility of performing Pap-smear was generated. P-value of 0.05 and less indicated statistical significance in all tests. Results: 2539 female participants completed the questionnaire with (41%) aged 18 - 25 years old. A sizable portion were from the central region (30.4%) and a majority had a university degree (73.1%). 65% of the participants were sexually active. Two thirds of the participants have heard about Pap-smear and its role in detecting CC but only 20% took the test. Although one third knew that the HPV vaccine can prevent CC, only 2% received the vaccination. Poor knowledge on locating the Pap-smear and HPV vaccine were reported among participants. 12% reported that health campaigns were their source of information. Factors associated with adequate knowledge are listed in table. Age predicted the possibility of performing Pap-smear with participants of 18 - 25 years old are more likely to take the test (P=0.00). Conclusions: This large study evaluated the knowledge and awareness of CC, Pap-smear, and the HPV vaccine across the country. It demonstrated the need for better advocacy and for a nation-wide campaigning to further utilize early detection and preventive procedures. [Table: see text]

‘She is my wife and I have to support her’: exploring cervical cancer awareness and perceptions of married men in a Ghanaian community

Background/Aims Cervical cancer prevention and elimination require a multi-faceted approach. This study explored married men’s awareness of cervical cancer, their perceptions of cervical cancer screening and their willingness to support their spouses with screening. Methods This descriptive qualitative study design recruited 15 purposively selected married men aged 20 years or older living in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. In-depth interviews were conducted with a semi-structured interview guide and data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results There was high awareness of cervical cancer among the participants. The main themes were participants’ knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and screening, and supporting partners with cervical cancer screening. Each theme had two subthemes. The subthemes regarding knowledge were ‘lack of knowledge about the disease’ and ‘lack of knowledge of preventive measures’, the subthemes on perception were ‘a normal disease’ and ‘doctors are trained’, and the subthemes for support were ‘financial support’ and ‘encouragement’. Conclusions Efforts to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening should focus on educating married men about the disease, as they can support their spouses to attend cervical cancer screening services.

Pasifika women's knowledge and perceptions of cervical-cancer screening and the implementation of self-testing in Aotearoa New Zealand: A qualitative study

SummaryBackgroundIn Aotearoa New Zealand, Pasifika women have a higher rate of cervical cancer incidence and mortality than European/Other women and a lower screening rate. Despite actions to reduce the barriers, there has been little change in screening coverage for Pasifika women since 2007. Novel strategies are therefore required. Persistent cervical infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) causes virtually all cervical cancers and HPV testing will be implemented in Aotearoa in 2023, with women being able to choose to self-test. We undertook a qualitative focus group (FG) study with Pasifika women to explore their perspectives on the barriers to, and facilitators of, HPV self-testing and how best to implement this in Aotearoa.MethodsA trained female Pasifika Research Assistant facilitated participant recruitment and the FGs. Eligible participants self-identified as Pasifika, were aged 30-69 years, in the Wellington area, who had never been screened or who were overdue (≥5 years) for cervical-cancer screening. Recruitment was predominantly through Pasifika key-informant networks and in collaboration with Pasifika primary care providers. Participants were offered face-to-face FGs but, due to occasional Covid-19 restrictions and personal preferences, FGs via Zoom were also used. The FGs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The FG transcripts were thematically analysed.FindingsSeven FGs were conducted with 24 participants. We identified five main themes around barriers and potential facilitators of HPV self-testing in Pasifika women: 1) perceptions and knowledge of cervical-cancer screening; 2) challenges to engaging in organised cervical screening; 3) perceptions of self-testing for HPV and challenges women face when deciding to self-test; 4) enthusiasm for an HPV self-test; and 5) information and communication. Knowledge about cervical cancer and screening varied considerably among participants, with some never having heard about cervical-cancer screening. The main challenges that were raised were personal privacy and confidentiality and time management. There was consensus around the need for adequate, consistent, and accurate accessible information to boost the confidence of women undertaking self-testing. In general, the participants were eager for self-testing to be made available soon. This was accompanied by the need for the promotion and implementation of self-testing to include a collective/community approach consistent with Pasifika worldviews.InterpretationAlthough participants were enthusiastic about HPV self-testing, multi-level and interacting barriers exist to participation by Pasifika women in HPV self-testing. Implementation of self-testing in Aotearoa New Zealand should be accompanied by clear information about the entire process, using culturally appropriate tailored educational campaigns in different Pasifika languages.FundingThe study was supported by the Collaboration for Cancer Research Aotearoa New Zealand (CCR).

Perception and Practice of Cervical Cancer Screening Services and the Role of Social Workers in Facilitating Screening Uptake in Enugu State, Nigeria.

We examined the perception and practice of cervical cancer screening among women in Enugu State, Nigeria. We employed mixed methods and conveniently sampled women aged >15 years. The quantitative data were subjected to chi-square and regression analysis while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study findings show that over 57% of the respondents have a positive perception of cervical cancer screening while over 80% revealed that they practice cervical cancer screening. Factors such as education, income, and residence are significant in predicting the practice of cervical cancer screening. Therefore, social work strategies to leverage these modifiable predictors in facilitating cervical screening uptake are recommended.

Pasifika Women's Knowledge and Perceptions of Cervical-Cancer Screening and the Implementation of Self-Testing in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Qualitative Study

Pasifika Women's Knowledge and Perceptions of Cervical-Cancer Screening and the Implementation of Self-Testing in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Qualitative Study

Trust and cancer screening: Effects of a screening controversy on women’s perceptions of cervical cancer screening

There is a paucity of data on trust of service users in cervical screening. A significant controversy in Ireland’s national cervical cancer screening programme emerged in 2018. The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that a clinical audit had revealed that more than 200 women who developed cancer had not been told of earlier misdiagnosed smear tests. During this high profile controversy we conducted qualitative interviews exploring factors that influence cervical screening participation. Women who had been invited for routine screening tests were recruited from the national screening register. Telephone interviews were conducted with 48 women aged 25–65 years; with a range of screening histories – 34 were adequately screened (attended all routine screening tests) and 14 were inadequately screened (attended some/no screening tests). Thematic analysis was conducted and all interviewees spontaneously raised the screening controversy revealing that the crisis had resulted in serious loss of trust, faith and confidence in the screening programme. Publicity surrounding the controversy had some beneficial effects, including increased awareness of the value of screening and beliefs that intense focus on the programme will improve the service long-term. Strategies which incorporate these findings could help rebuild trust in screening.

Perceptions of Cervical Cancer Screening in Rural Guatemala.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the developing world. Globally, the incidence of CC is 13.1 per 100,000, with the highest incidence of CC seen in sub-Saharan Africa, Melanesia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Southcentral Asia, and Southeast Asia. Little data exist regarding perceptions of screening in Guatemala and how this may affect the likelihood that women seek care. This study aimed to assess the attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs of CC screening in women of Rural Guatemala. A cross-sectional mixed method analysis was administered using a survey given to 169 women in San Pedro La Laguna in Sololá, Guatemala. Results showed that none of the indigenous-language-speaking patients and only half of the bilingual patients had knowledge of human papillomavirus; 97% of women indicated that they believed regular Pap smears are important; only 46.4% of women screened had received a Pap smear at some point in their lives, which is slightly above the national average (39.3%). This is due to barriers to access, cost of treatment, and knowledge of CC. Results of this study display a positive perception of CC screening by indigenous women, indicating that efforts should be made to move toward the implementation of low-cost CC screening methods.

Knowledge, Perception and Cervical Cancer Screening Practices among Female Nurses Working in Healthcare Facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background: Cervical cancer, the 2nd most common form of cancer worldwide, is largely preventable. It occurs more in sexually active and menopausal women of which nurses as the largest group of healthcare giver have an important role to play in early detection, prevention, screening and management. Therefore, nurses’ knowledge, perception and cervical cancer screening practices in Lagos State are sought. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design, using a multi-stage sample technique to select 420 nurses and a semi-structured questionnaire (Cronbach Alpha coefficient range: 0.82- 0.84) research tool was used. The response rate was 96.9%. IBM SPSS version 23 was used in data analysis. The confidence level was 0.05 Results: Findings revealed a mean age of 37.7 ±9.5years, 2/3 of total respondents (66.8%) had BNSc, nearly half, 227(55.8%) had good knowledge of cervical cancer screening and less than half 197(48.4%) had a high perception of cervical cancer screening. The majority 312(76.7%) of the respondents had low cervical cancer screening practices. Respondents’ knowledge of cervical cancer and perception of cervical cancer screening relationship was significant (r =-0.19, p=0.000). Also, respondents age (X2= 11.49, p=0.02); marital status (X2=10.17; p=0.03); and respondents’ ethnicity (X2=10.11; p=0.02), were significant to their cervical cancer screening practices. Contrarily, respondent’s religion (X2=3.35; p=0.09), and level of education (X2=0.88; p=0.64) were not significantly related to cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: Study revealed that respondents had moderately high knowledge, moderate perception of cervical cancer screening but low screening practices. Therefore, nurses should be further resourced in promotional activities and programs through in-service training in providing informative awareness education about cervical cancer screening.

Effect of Age and Parity on Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women of Child Bearing Age in Anambra State

Identification of characteristics of women in terms of age and parity as related to their uptake of existing screening services can give significant data to forming cervical cancer screening administrations. This study was aimed to assess the effect of age and parity on knowledge of cervical cancer screening among women of child bearing age in Anambra State. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design.The study was conducted at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka and General Hospital Onitsha between June 2019 to September 2019.Using multi-stage (purposive) sampling technique, the sample size for this study consisted of one hundred and eighty four (184) women (134) subjects for experimental group and 50 subjects for control group) attending antenatal in public hospitals in Anambra State. The instrument contained five questions on demographic data of the respondents, questions on knowledge of cervical cancer and practice questions with four point response options. The reliability of the instrument was established by using Cronbach alpha for estimating the internal consistency of the instrument. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and inferential statistics (ANCOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance.The results showed that all the women of different age groups and women of all parity levels benefitted from the exposure to health education programme. The study therefore concludes that exposing women of child bearing age to health education programme improved the practice of cervical cancer screening practice. The knowledge of cervical cancer, knowledge of cervical cancer screening and knowledge of modes of prevention of cervical cancer are critical in determining cervical cancer screening uptake among the women. It is thus concluded that exposing women of child bearing age to health education programme improved the cervical cancer screening practice than not exposing them to any treatment. With adequate knowledge of cervical cancer and a positive perception of cervical cancer screening, utilization of cervical cancer screening services is uniform among women of all parity level.

A reproductive justice approach to understanding women's experiences with HPV and cervical cancer prevention

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. HPV infection has been linked to more than 90% of cervical cancers. A vaccine to prevent the acquisition of HPV has been available since 2006. The purpose of this study was to investigate women's perceptions of cervical cancer prevention, including HPV vaccination. A reproductive justice framework guided data collection and analysis.In 2016, researchers conducted 70 in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with women aged 19–78 years in South Carolina. A purposive sampling approach was employed to maximize requisite variety based on social, economic, and environmental axes of inequality. Participants self-identified as white (53%), African American (33%), and Hispanic (9%). Data analysis included an inductive constant comparative method to identify patterns and themes across the interviews. Misinformation about the prevalence and risk of HPV and cervical cancer led to “othering” of women with HPV-related diagnoses based on the flawed assumption of not being at risk.Participants described a lack of knowledge about the effectiveness and safety of the HPV vaccine. Social norms influenced participants' perceptions of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer, including concerns about sexual activity and intergenerational communication. Participants’ social construction of identity, including race/ethnicity, socioeconomic position, ability, age, gender, sexual orientation, and immigration status, impacted their perceptions of cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine. In particular, participants believed that the HPV vaccine was “only for girls” and identified gender norms that limited uptake. Participants described barriers to accessing health care and cervical cancer screening, including cost, health insurance, and life changes (e.g., pregnancy, relocating). Many participants experienced an abnormal Papanicolaou test and described follow-up care, including biopsies and treatment for cervical dysplasia.Findings from this study offer insight into women's identity and perceptions of cervical cancer prevention. Results provide practical recommendations to increase women's agency in the development of successful public health interventions.

Demographics and knowledge of cervical cancer of female civil servants in Delta State on Nigeria

Background: Delta state of Nigeria is a typical micro-world of multicultural values and religious beliefs as well as socioeconomic strata that could impact on the uptake of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination. Yet, the demographics of women in conjunction with knowledge and perception of cervical cancer screening have not been surveyed. This study aimed to assess the demographics of civil service women servants in Delta State and their knowledge regarding cervical cancer.Methods: The study was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of female civil servants in the states’ capital city of Asaba. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on eight demographic factors (age, educational level, ethnicity, income level, marital status, number of children, religion and workplace); as well as information on knowledge of cervical. Percentage proportions of respondents were assessed for the eight demographic factors. Absolute frequencies of affirmative responses to the questions on knowledge were evaluation. Hypothesis was tested for statistical significance of the demographic variables.Results: Analysis of the respondents (N=285) show that virtually all participants have heard of cervical cancer and knows that sexual promiscuity is a risk of the health condition. Only less than 5% of them attribute healthcare workers as their source of knowledge. Except age and marital status, every demographic variable is significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Demographics of women are significant in terms of potential factors that could influence the uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening.

Barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening in Nepal: A qualitative study

ObjectivesDespite being preventable, cervical cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Nepal, a country where there is no nationwide screening programme. Hence, the objective was to investigate and better understand Nepali women’s perceptions on barriers to participation in cervical cancer screening and what might facilitate their participation. MethodsA qualitative study design with focus group discussions was employed and women were purposively invited. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using manifest content analysis. FindingsWomen had misconceptions about the screening and low levels of knowledge. Sociocultural barriers, service providers’ behaviour, geographical challenges, and limited finances were all perceived as obstacles to attending screening centres. Facilitating factors, such as participation in awareness programmes and support from family and women’s groups, may convince women to attend screening clinics. ConclusionsThe findings contribute information on Nepalese women’s perceptions of cervical cancer screening. They may serve to support the Government of Nepal’s promotion of cervical cancer screening and treatment as a right for all Nepali women, whenever necessary.

Understanding the cervical screening behaviour of Chinese women: The role of health care system and health professions

BackgroundIn China, cervical cancer cases are increasing, making an impact on the worldwide burden of cervical cancer. Despite the initiatives undertaken by the Chinese government, the current coverage of cervical screening in China remains suboptimal. There is an urgent need to identify the facilitators and barriers associated with the uptake of cervical cancer screening among the Chinese population. PurposeThe study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of cervical cancer screening of mainland Chinese women in relation to their screening behaviour, particularly in the aspects of health care system and health profession roles. MethodsA qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews. A total of 27 Chinese women aged 25 to 50 (both screened and non-screened women) completed the interviews. The analysis of the interview data was undertaken inductively using latent content analysis. Discussion and conclusionResults showed that organised health examination programmes provide a good basis for integrating cervical screening into broader checks on the health of women, and utilising different networks of social support facilitate the utilisation of the screening service. However, education on cervical cancer and screening must be made more generally available. More importantly, there is a need for a more participatory and empowering exchange in the encounter between health professions and these women. Appropriate training program is strongly recommended for health professions about communicate skills with patients. Future work should focus on identifying strategies to overcome the barriers to cervical screening related to health care system and medical professions among this population.

Perceptions of Cervical Cancer Screening, Screening Behavior, and Post-Migration Living Difficulties Among Bhutanese-Nepali Refugee Women in the United States.

Bhutanese-Nepali refugees are one of the largest refugee groups to be resettled in the U.S. in the past decade. Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer disparity in this population, yet screening rates are suboptimal. Nepali-speaking interviewers administered a community health needs questionnaire to a convenience sample of Bhutanese-Nepali refugees in a Midwestern city between July to October of 2015. Descriptive statistics were used to describe socio-demographic characteristics, Pap smear beliefs, post-migration living difficulties, and screening status. Differences in Pap test uptake between groups were tested using t test and Chi square statistics. Of the 97 female participants, 44.3% reported ever having had a Pap smear. Screening rates were lowest among women who did not know English at all. Most women had positive perceptions of Pap smears (80%) and 44.4% had received a Pap test recommendation from their healthcare provider, family, or friends. Pap testing was significantly higher among those who had positive perceptions (58.3 vs. 11.1% for women of negative perception, p = 0.01) and those who had received a recommendation (87.5 vs. 18.6% for women who had no recommendations, p < 0.001). Significant predictors of having a Pap smear were having a healthcare provider/family/friends recommendation (OR 65.3, 95% CI 11.4-373.3) and greater number of post-migration living difficulties (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.37). The results of this study have important implications for the development of cervical cancer prevention programs targeting Bhutanese-Nepali refugees. Providing cancer prevention interventions early in the resettlement process could impact Pap test uptake in this population.

Perception of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Japanese University Students Who Have Never Had a Pap Smear: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to explore attitudes towards cervical cancer screening among Japanese university students who had never had a Pap smear. Four focus-group discussions, each with 15 female university students, took place in November and December 2009. Discussions were recorded and transcripts were analyzed to extract attitudes of young women towards cervical cancer screening. The four themes that emerged were: i) a low sense of reality about cervical cancer; ii) a lack of knowledge about both cervical cancer and Pap smears; iii) a lack of motivation to get screened, and iv) a reluctance to visit the gynecologist. Participants who were interested in undergoing screening for cervical cancer cited the influence of conversations with friends and family, a diagnosis of cancer within their family, and relevant information from the media. The results indicate the importance of getting young women more interested in cervical cancer screening and overcoming their tendency to avoid visiting a gynecologist.

Exploring women's knowledge, experiences and perceptions of cervical cancer screening in an area of social deprivation

Despite the strong evidence that cervical screening does save lives, evidence suggests that the uptake for cervical screening for women from socially deprived areas still remains low. A qualitative approach using four focus groups was undertaken with 48 women living in socially deprived areas who had accessed a mobile screening unit to receive cervical screening. Analysis of the data was undertaken using thematic content analysis. The women's knowledge of cervical cancer including associated risks, and preventative factors were extremely limited. The women expressed a negative attitude towards their experiences of cervical screening, describing negative feelings of 'fear', 'embarrassment' and feeling 'stigmatised'. Practical issues such as the timing of the appointments, issues of time and having to find child care were identified as the main barriers to screening for this group. This study highlights that practices and beliefs about screening are variable and access to health care is poorly tailored to meet the needs of the socially deprived. There is a need for accessible targeted information and strategies in order to enhance knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and screening for women living in socially deprived areas.