“I Just Went for the Screening, But I Did Not Go for the Results”. Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening and Vaccination among Females at Oyibi Community

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer screening and vaccination practices is reported to have low coverage in most developing countries. It has been reported that most women are aware of cervical cancer screening and vaccination worldwide. Nevertheless, the rate at which women participate in cervical cancer screening and vaccination was found to be low both locally and internationally. Consequently, in sub-Saharan Africa, cervical cancer screening programs have poor coverage. The aim of this study was to explore the practices of cervical cancer screening and vaccination among females at Oyibi community. Methods: The researchers employed a qualitative exploratory design to recruit 35 participants put into five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Five FGDs were formed with seven (7) members in each group. The members were purposely recruited. The sample size was based on data saturation. Data was retrieved using a semi-structured interview guide. The researchers served as moderators in the group. Results: Two (2) main themes with Eight (8) subthemes were generated from the data analysis. The themes were; (cervical cancer screening and vaccination practices), and (perceived benefits of cervical cancer screening and vaccination). The subthemes that emerged were as follows: types of cervical screening and vaccination done by participants, experiences during cervical cancer screening, experiences during cervical cancer vaccination, decision to go for cervical cancer screening and vaccination, willingness to recommend cervical cancer screening and vaccination to other women, early detection of cervical cancer through early screening, benefits of cervical cancer vaccination, and willingness to receive cervical cancer vaccine. The study also revealed that most of the women who had done the screening and vaccination were young (19-29 years). Conclusion: The results from the study indicated that the participants' utilization of cervical cancer screening and vaccination were poor although they were conscious of the benefits of cervical cancer screening and vaccination and were willing to recommend it to their relatives and their loved ones.

Factors Influencing the Experience of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

“…Across studies, common reasons for testing for cervical cancer included determining the presence of cancer and to access early treatment. 29 , 30 , 32 For breast cancer screening, a participant's desire for early detection could be derived from knowing a person who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and undergone treatment, such as a mastectomy. 29 A further reason that steered participants to engage with screening were predisposing factors such as genital warts and other health conditions (eg, infertility).…”

“… 29 A further reason that steered participants to engage with screening were predisposing factors such as genital warts and other health conditions (eg, infertility). 30 , 34 …”

“…Additionally, in places where the cost of the screening services was low or no charges existed, women were willing to undergo screening. 26 , 30 The proximity of screening centers encouraged others to participate in the screening. 26 …”

“…Across studies, the content of counseling was similar; women were given information about cervical cancer, the procedure, and the options after results. 26 , 28 , 30 , 36 , 40 Most of the women felt that they received adequate counseling on the procedure and treatment options in both breast and cervical cancer screening. 29 , 36 , 40 Counseling was usually delivered verbally, although, in one study, women were shown videos and images and were disturbed by the description of the colposcopy procedure.…”

Non-adherence to cervical cancer screening recommendations among women in Eswatini: a cross-sectional study

“…While believing that VIA screening was likely to be painful was the second most common barrier, almost two-thirds of the participants believed cervical cancer screening was unlikely to be painful. In a similar study in Nigeria, participants expressed that screening was uncomfortable rather than painful [ 51 ]. The current study demonstrated that women who believed that cervical cancer screening was likely to be painful were more likely to be classified as non-adherent than women who believed screening was unlikely to be painful.…”