scholarly journals Awareness of and attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention among migrant Eastern European women in England

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hersha Patel ◽  
Susan M Sherman ◽  
Douglas Tincello ◽  
Esther L Moss

Objectives It has been hypothesized that, in England, the rise in incidence of cervical cancer and the fall in screening coverage might be attributable in part to the effect of migration of Eastern European born women. We explored the attitudes and behaviours of these women towards cervical cancer prevention strategies. Methods A mixed methods study using quantitative surveys and in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews was conducted between April 2015 and December 2016. Results In total, 331 surveys and 46 interviews were completed. Native English women had greater knowledge that a smear test is a screening test for pre-cancerous cervical cells (90% vs. 71% p≤0.01), whereas migrant Eastern European women believed that it was conducted as part of a full gynaecological examination (46% vs. 21% p≤0.01) and that the screen interval was annual (18% vs. 4% p≤0.01). Distrust of the English healthcare system resulted in some Eastern European women returning to their country of birth for screening. Poor awareness of cervical cancer prior to migration and lack of information at registration with a general practitioner in England were associated with failure to participate in screening. Conclusions The views and attitudes expressed by the migrant Eastern European women in this study suggest that they are not fully participating in cervical screening in England. Targeted education at the point of contact with healthcare services in England is needed to increase cervical screening participation among these women.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e050113
Author(s):  
Sneha Sethi ◽  
Brianna Poirier ◽  
Karen Canfell ◽  
Megan Smith ◽  
Gail Garvey ◽  
...  

RationaleIndigenous peoples carry a disproportionate burden of infectious diseases and cancers and are over-represented among the socially disadvantaged of most countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor and causative agent of cervical, oropharyngeal and other cancers. Recent literature shows evidence of Indigenous populations being at increased risk of HPV infections and its associated cancers.ObjectiveThis is a qualitative systematic review. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and barriers Indigenous women face in relation to HPV awareness, knowledge and cervical screening, in order to better understand factors that may mitigate against or facilitate prevention efforts for HPV infection and associated cancers.MethodsTwo investigators independently searched MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases (for articles published from inception until 30 June 2020) using a prespecified search strategy to identify qualitative studies on narratives of Indigenous women regarding HPV infection awareness, knowledge and cervical screening, across all geographic and income-level settings. Using a ‘meta-study’ approach, a social ecological model of cervical screening, infection and associated cancer prevention among Indigenous populations was formulated.ResultsFive core themes were identified and formulated within the social ecological model; intrapersonal factors, interpersonal factors, institutional/organisational factors, sociocultural/community factors and public policy. These collectively formed the proposed social ecological model of HPV infection awareness and cervical cancer prevention among Indigenous women. This model has been synthesised by taking into account personal stories of Indigenous women and healthcare workers, thus offering a more nuanced, organised, structured and culturally sensitive approach to policy translation.ConclusionThe social ecological model of HPV infection awareness and cervical cancer prevention among Indigenous women offers a holistic and practical approach for Indigenous health policy makers. It clearly addresses the high risk of Indigenous populations at a global level in experience of both HPV infection and HPV-related cancers.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020207643.


2021 ◽  
pp. 81-100
Author(s):  
Amira Burhan

Background: Although cervical cancer is largely preventable, it continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Sudan, due to the lack of national control programs. This study aimed to evaluate the availability of cervical cancer prevention services and assess the facility readiness in Khartoum state, as a base for future plans. Methods: This study was an observational, mixed-method, health service research. Purposive sampling method was used to select focal persons to explore the current situation and the available services qualitatively. Observation through standardized checklists of screening and colposcopy centers was conducted, and service providers were interviewed. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results: Based on the qualitative interviews, Khartoum Oncology Hospital is the only specialized center providing chemotherapy and radiotherapy services for the state. Although six screening and nine diagnostic centers were surveyed, services were not available in most localities. Reasonable but unutilized resources in the secondary level exist at the time of the study, primary-level efforts to control cervical cancer are uncoordinated and ineffective, with no linked efforts at the community level. Since initiatives to reduce cervical cancer mortality need to adopt a holistic approach to the disease continuum, a comprehensive model was suggested and explained, the gaps and challenges were discussed. Conclusion: Cervical cancer prevention still remains a highly unaddressed need in Sudan. Sustainable financing of robust programs is necessary to achieve elimination. Contextually relevant devices must be selected to improve resource allocation. These results might be useful for the establishment of cervical cancer control in Sudan. Keywords: cervical cancer, screening, health system, developing countries, Sudan


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunday Joseph Ayamolowo ◽  
Lydia Feyisayo Akinrinde ◽  
Monisola Omoyeni Oginni ◽  
Love Bukola Ayamolowo

The global incidence of cancer is rising, and low-income and lower-middle-income countries have the worst figures. However, knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and cervical cancer screening practices remains poor in these regions. This study assessed the concept of health literacy as a potential determinant of knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening practices among female undergraduates. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 female undergraduates at a university in southwest Nigeria. A validated questionnaire composed of subscales on nine components of health literacy, knowledge of cervical cancer prevention, and cervical cancer screening practices was used for data collection. The majority of the respondents obtained a high score on most of the components of health literacy and 66% had good knowledge of cervical cancer prevention. Only 11% demonstrated good practices of Pap smear testing. Of all the components of health literacy, “feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers” (OR = 0.075; 95% CI [0.036–0.115]; p = 0.015) and “understanding health information well enough to know what to do” (OR = 0.055; 95% CI [0.006–0.104]; p = 0.029) were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer prevention. Out of the major challenges related to cervical cancer screening among undergraduates, the feeling of being at risk (OR = 4.71; p < 0.05) and uncomfortable experiences from past screening (OR = 0.12; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with going for cervical cancer screening. The study concluded that levels of health literacy influenced knowledge of cervical cancer prevention among female undergraduates, but it did not affect their engagement in cervical cancer screening practices.


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