Men’s awareness of cervical cancer: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundsAs HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, men are crucial in the prevention of cervical cancer, but research about men’s awareness on cervical cancer is limited. Therefore, in this study, we investigated men’s awareness toward women’s cervical cancer, to thoroughly understand the viewpoints of men, and to emphasize the centrality of the role of men in the prevention of cervical cancer.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was chosen to explore men’s awareness of women’s cervical cancer. Twelve men aged 20–58 were interviewed. Snowball sampling was conducted to recruit participants.ResultsMost participants stated that they were not interested in women’s health, and that they did not have much knowledge about cause and prevention of cervical cancer. They acknowledged that cervical cancer was different from other cancers, based on cause and prognosis of disease. The recognition of cervical cancer in participants varied widely depending on their relationship with women. Respondents’ recognition of cervical cancer was classified into four types based on a Situational Awareness (SA) model including individual factors (knowledge about cervical cancer, interest in women’s health) and system/task factors (relationship with women, men’s responsibility).ConclusionThis study is one of the few studies describing men’s awareness on cervical cancer. Korean men’s awareness level was low, and their concern and knowledge were not good. Some participants thought that cervical cancer can be treated, can be prevented, and is recognized as a disease of a female with men intervening. Our participants perceived that the role of men is necessary for the prevention of cervical cancer. Therefore, a strategy is needed to develop the awareness and knowledge of men on cervical cancer prevention. When planning cervical cancer education for men, phase and type-specific approaches are required, depending on perception level.

Challenges and opportunities to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in a low income, high HIV prevalence context

“…The importance of social networks in influencing health-related knowledge and behaviors have been previously described (22,23,24).. Studies have also documented ways in which social networks can be important sources of support for promoting health and wellbeing (25,26,27).. Similar to other studies that have explored male involvement in cervical cancer prevention, we found that most male respondents had poor knowledge of HPV as a risk factor in cervical cancer (28,29,30).. Consequently, there is an urgent need to implement educational interventions aimed at increasing men's knowledge of risk factors and empowering them to be more proactive in preventing cervical cancer. Furthermore, the cultural norms of masculinity that dictate roles and set expectations that discourage male involvement in promoting women's reproductive health or their ability to engage in cervical cancer prevention should be addressed.…”

Challenges and opportunities associated with cervical cancer screening programs in a low income, high HIV prevalence context

“…Individually and collectively, members of social networks provide social, emotional and financial support for those dealing with a health issue. In this study, we found that characteristics of social Similar to other studies that have explored male involvement in cervical-cancer prevention, we found that most male respondents had poor knowledge of HPV as a risk factor in cervical-cancer (28,29,30). Consequently, there is an urgent need to implement educational interventions aimed at increasing men's knowledge of risk factors and empowering them to be more proactive in preventing cervical-cancer.…”

"A loving man has a very huge responsibility": A mixed methods study of Malawian men's knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer

“…Similarly, previous studies have found that fewer men knew someone who had cervical cancer, with 10% of survey respondents in a community-based study from rural and urban sites in Swaziland [33], 5% of respondents in a study conducted at HIV clinics in rural and urban areas of Kenya [35], and no respondents among urban men in Ghana reporting a direct contact [37]. We also found higher knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and of screening services than has been previously reported --although some important gaps in knowledge remain [27,28,30,35,38]. For example, men in our study, compared to a 2014 study among mostly HIV-positive men in Nyonga…”