Registered nurses' perspectives on barriers of cervical cancer screening in Swaziland: a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable if diagnosed and treated early, however, it is still the leading cause of death among women. Despite efforts to increase cervical cancer screening, its uptake is still low. The purpose of the study was to investigate the perspectives of registered nurses on barriers of cervical cancer screening in Swaziland. Methods an exploratory qualitative design was used for the study. Face to face in depth interviews were conducted with 15 registered nurses using an interview guide. The study was conducted in four clinics from both the private and public sectors, which were purposively sampled. Interviews were captured using an audio recording device, they were transcribed verbatim and then analysed using thematic analysis. Results four themes emerged which were deterrents to cervical cancer screening. These were perceived client barriers, health care system related barriers, nurse related barriers and the nature of the procedure. Conclusion these barriers to service provision need to be addressed by extensive health education to women as well as the cervical cancer screening programme to provide all resources required to increase the uptake of screening.

Factors Affecting Participation in Cervical Screening by Female Nurses in Public Health Institutions in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

“…Since the respondents were not aware of the eligibility criteria and frequencies, it suggest that they are not genuinely participating in cervical screening services. As evidenced by the other literature, including [ 18 ], nurses’ awareness and insight did not translate to a change in attitude and proper utilization of screening services. The present study findings indicate that a lack of knowledge can dissuade nurses from taking cervical cancer screening.…”

“…The authors in [ 23 , 24 ] further posited that the lack of awareness campaigns and poor dissemination of information about the disease have a negative effect in the community. As evidenced by [ 18 ], the awareness that cervical cancer is dangerous did not change the nurses’ attitude towards adherence to the screening services.…”

Barriers to and enablers of cervical cancer screening delivery in Eswatini

“…These NGOs contribute to the development and implementation of screening guidelines, job aids, and standard operating procedures, and also assist in planning, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and equipment procurement (7). Among the 232 clinics in Eswatini, 131 receive additional support from the NGOs (5).…”

“…At the micro-level, limited provider awareness and knowledge, in uenced by cultural factors, pose challenges (14). Meso-level barriers include inadequate healthcare infrastructure (15), resource limitations, and a shortage of skilled workers (7). On the macro level, barriers include competing health priorities, di culties in reaching remote areas, and the absence of standardised guidelines(16).…”

“…Despite their crucial role in delivering screening services in Eswatini, only one prior study has explored nurses' perceptions of barriers to providing screening services in Eswatini. The previous study only examined nurses' perceived barriers, leaving a knowledge gap about perceived enablers (7). Further, recruitment was restricted to four clinics providing screening in Eswatini, leading to gaps in a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and enablers.…”