An ethnographic study of cervical cancer among women in rural Kenya: is there a folk causal model?

Abstract

This article assesses knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer among rural women of Kenya. One hundred and sixty women (mean age 37.9 years) who sought various health care services at Tigoni subdistrict hospital, Limuru, Kenya, were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. In addition, three focus group discussions (25 participants) were held, five case narratives recorded, and a free list of cervical cancer risk factors obtained from a group of 41 women respondents. All women were aged between 20 and 50 years. About 40% knew cervical cancer, although many still lack factual information. A history of sexually transmitted diseases (61.5%), multiple sexual partners (51.2%), and contraceptive use (33%) were identified as risk factors. Other factors mentioned include smoking, abortion, and poor hygiene standards. High parity, early sexual debut, and pregnancy were not readily mentioned as risk factors. We propose a folk causal model to explain the link between these factors and cervical cancer. Lack of knowledge constrains utilization of screening services offered at the clinics. Consequently, respondents support educating women as a way to tackling issues on cervical cancer. It is recommended that an integrated reproductive health program that addresses comprehensively women's health concerns be put in place.

Cervical cancer in Bangladesh: community perceptions of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening

“…Knowledge of prevention/screening and treatment options for cervical cancer was found to be very limited. This lack of knowledge was also found by others (Ayinde and Omigbodum 2003, Gatune and Nyamongo 2005, Gichangi et al 2003,Wellensiek et al 2002 and is probably related to limited access to and availability of these services.…”

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cervical Cancer Screening among Somali Women in an Urban Settlement in Kenya

“…The high prevalence in this study could be attributed to health promotion program to popularize cervical screening among the different communities. Studies in Kenya have so far looked at awareness and prevention of cervical cancer and the knowledge and attitudes of women [32,33]. Consequently, there have been scaled-up campaigns to create awareness and promote uptake of screening services toward prevention of cervical cancer.…”

Self-perceived risk and barriers to cervical cancer screening among patients seeking care at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Tamil Nadu

“…Women who accept to screen tend to be younger (aged 30-39), married, had mostly been pregnant, better educated and had ever used contraception. [12][13][14] Our study subjects had similar characteristics but data was not collected on educational and socioeconomic status. Knowledge of risk factors for cervical cancer development has also been observed to be associated with better uptake of screening services.…”

“…Lack of awareness and low priority accorded women's health have been cited as some of the factors backing to the observed hesitancy of women to access screening services. 12 Even where screening facilities exist, there are individual characteristics that determine whether a woman actually does access the services. Women who accept to screen tend to be younger (aged 30-39), married, had mostly been pregnant, better educated and had ever used contraception.…”