How can young women be encouraged to attend cervical cancer screening? Suggestions from face-to-face and internet focus group discussions with 30-year-old women in Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract BackgroundCervical cancer is a leading cause of death among Cameroon women. The burden of cervical cancer is in part traceable to the inadequate understanding of contextual determinants of access to expanding screening and prevention opportunities. We explored multilevel individual, community and structural factors that facilitate or inhibit cervical cancer prevention in women at risk in a high HIV prevalence context. MethodsWe utilized an exploratory qualitative approach to obtain data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. A two-stage sampling strategy was used to select 80 women and 20 men who participated in 8 focus group discussions and 8 in-depth interviews. The socio-ecological model guided the analysis of data to identify micro, meso and macro level determinants of cervical cancer screening. ResultsMicro-level factors-low level of awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer, lack of access to information about screening, low risk perceptions, poor health seeking behaviors and excessive cost of cervical cancer screening were major barriers for women seeking cervical cancer screening. Meso-level factors, such as social networks, socio-cultural norms, perceptions of the role of men and HIV-related stigma when screening is integrated into HIV care, also engender negative attitudes and behaviors. Poorly equipped health facilities and a lack of national cancer prevention policies and programs were among macro-level barriers limiting access to cervical cancer screening. ConclusionThe success of efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Cameroon rests on eliminating the myriad individual, familial, community and structural factors that limit access to screening among women in the study communities.

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

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-021-01211-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Adebola Adedimeji ◽

Rogers Ajeh ◽

Amanda Pierz ◽

Relindis Nkeng ◽

Jackson Ndenkeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Focus Group ◽

Cancer Prevention ◽

Cervical Cancer Screening ◽

Low Income ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among Cameroon women. The burden of cervical cancer is in part traceable to the inadequate understanding of socio-contextual determinants of access to screening and prevention opportunities. We explored multilevel individual, community and structural factors that facilitate or inhibit cervical cancer prevention in women at risk in a low-income, high HIV prevalence context. Methods We utilized an exploratory qualitative approach to obtain data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews from May to August, 2018. A two-stage purposive sampling strategy was used to select 80 women and 20 men who participated in 8 focus group discussions and 8 in-depth interviews. The socio-ecological model guided data analyses to identify micro-, meso-, and macro-level determinants of cervical cancer screening. Results Micro-level factors including lack of awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer, lack of access to information, excessive cost of cervical cancer screening, low risk perceptions, and poor health seeking behaviors were major barriers for women seeking cervical cancer screening. Meso-level factors, such as social networks, socio-cultural norms, perceptions of the role of men and HIV-related stigma when screening is integrated into HIV care, also engender negative attitudes and behaviors. Macro-level barriers to cervical cancer screening included poorly equipped health facilities and a lack of national cancer prevention policies and programs. Conclusion In the context of the call for elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, our findings highlight challenges and opportunities that should be considered when implementing interventions to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening in low-middle income settings.

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

10.21203/rs.2.20620/v3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Adebola Alade Adedimeji ◽

Rogers Ajeh ◽

Amanda Pierz ◽

Relindis Nkeng ◽

Jackson Jr. Nde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Focus Group ◽

Cancer Prevention ◽

Cervical Cancer Screening ◽

Hiv Prevalence ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among Cameroon women. The burden of cervical cancer is in part traceable to the inadequate understanding of contextual determinants of access to expanding screening and prevention opportunities. We explored multilevel individual, community and structural factors that facilitate or inhibit cervical cancer prevention in women at risk in a high HIV prevalence context. Methods We utilized an exploratory qualitative approach to obtain data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews from May to August, 2018. A two-stage systematic sampling strategy was used to select 80 women and 20 men who participated in 8 focus group discussions and 8 in-depth interviews. The socio-ecological model guided data analyses to identify micro-, meso-, and macro-level determinants of cervical cancer screening. Results Micro-level factors including lack of awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer, lack of access to information on and excessive costs for cervical cancer screening, low risk perceptions, and poor health seeking behaviors were major barriers for women seeking cervical cancer screening. Meso-level factors, such as social networks, socio-cultural norms, perceptions of the role of men and HIV-related stigma when screening is integrated into HIV care, also engender negative attitudes and behaviors. Macro-level barriers to cervical cancer screening included poorly equipped health facilities and a lack of national cancer prevention policies and programs. Conclusion In the context of the call for elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, our findings highlight challenges and opportunities that should be considered when implementing interventions to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening in low-middle income settings.

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

10.21203/rs.2.20620/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Adebola Alade Adedimeji ◽

Rogers Ajeh ◽

Amanda Pierz ◽

Relindis Nkeng ◽

Jackson Jr. Nde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Focus Group ◽

Cancer Prevention ◽

Cervical Cancer Screening ◽

Hiv Prevalence ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Cervical-cancer is a leading cause of death among Cameroon women. The burden of cervical-cancer is in part traceable to the inadequate understanding of contextual determinants of access to expanding screening and prevention opportunities. We explored multilevel individual, community and structural factors that facilitate or inhibit cervical-cancer prevention in women at risk in a high HIV prevalence context. Methods We utilized an exploratory qualitative approach to obtain data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews from May to August, 2018. A two-stage systematic sampling strategy was used to select 80 women and 20 men who participated in 8 focus group discussions and 8 in-depth interviews. The socio-ecological model guided data analyses to identify micro-, meso-, and macro-level determinants of cervical-cancer screening. Results Micro-level factors including lack of awareness and knowledge about cervical-cancer, lack of access to information on and excessive costs for cervical-cancer screening, low risk perceptions, and poor health seeking behaviors were major barriers for women seeking cervical-cancer screening. Meso-level factors, such as social networks, socio-cultural norms, perceptions of the role of men and HIV-related stigma when screening is integrated into HIV care, also engender negative attitudes and behaviors. Macro-level barriers to cervical-cancer screening included poorly equipped health facilities and a lack of national cancer prevention policies and programs. Conclusion In the context of the call for elimination of cervical-cancer as a public health problem, our findings highlight challenges and opportunities that can inform the design of effective interventions to increase uptake of cervical-cancer screening.

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Acceptability of Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Living With HIV and HIV-Negative Women in Limbé, Cameroon

Frontiers in Reproductive Health ◽

10.3389/frph.2020.561202 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

Amanda J. Pierz ◽

Rogers Ajeh ◽

Norbert Fuhngwa ◽

Judith Nasah ◽

Anastase Dzudie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Cervical Cancer Screening ◽

Hiv Treatment ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Women Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv Women ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Depth Interviews

Introduction: Like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon has a high burden of cervical cancer and low availability and uptake of screening. Self-collection has the potential to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening among Cameroon women. This paper explores patient and community insights surrounding self-collection among women living with HIV and HIV[-] women as well as the barriers and facilitators to obtaining and utilizing self-collected specimens in cervical cancer screening programs.Materials and methods: We utilized an exploratory qualitative approach to obtain data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews during data collection that took place from May to August 2018. A two-stage sampling strategy was used to select 80 women who participated in six focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews. We utilized the socio-ecological framework to guide data analysis.Results: All participants indicated that self-sampling was an acceptable method of specimen collection and should be offered as an option for cervical cancer screening in Cameroon. Whereas, most women, regardless of HIV status, preferred the option for self-collection, barriers were identified, such as lack of education about self-collection procedure, being uncomfortable, embarrassed or in pain from the procedure, fear of consequences, perceived competence about ability to self-collect and privacy and confidentiality. We also found that HIV-related stigma was a major concern for HIV[-] women that could prevent them from accessing cervical cancer screening integrated within HIV treatment settings.Conclusions: To promote self-collection for cervical cancer screening, educational interventions with both patients and providers are necessary to increase knowledge of and overall willingness to utilize self-collection. Further research is recommended to examine the role of stigma for HIV[-] women in screening locations associated with HIV treatment.

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Investigating the Contributions of International Oil and Gas Firms to Local Development in Ghana: Dilemmas and Challenges

European Scientific Journal ESJ ◽

10.19044/esj.2020.v16n28p74 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (28) ◽

Author(s):

Remy Nyukorong

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Oil And Gas ◽

Local Development ◽

Primary Data ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Face To Face ◽

Oil Companies ◽

Priority Needs ◽

Oil And Gas Firms

Ghana is relatively new to oil and gas extraction and there is little empirical knowledge about the key players in the oil and gas business, what they do to contribute to local socio-economic development, and the quandaries these firms struggle with while operating under difficult circumstances. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of international oil companies to local development in Ghana and to evaluate the challenges and dilemmas faced by these firms. The study adopted a qualitative, interpretive case study design that relied on face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions to gather primary data. Interview responses were analysed, compared, and categorised with the results of transcription of the focus group discussions, and later triangulated and interpreted to draw conclusions. The study revealed that most international oil companies in Ghana are transparent in reporting on their business activities and operations. Despite the efforts by these firms to support local development by funding developmental projects, paying taxes, and providing employment opportunities to local youth, international oil companies are still a target of criticism for unsatisfactory performance. Local populations would like to see extractive firms finance community infrastructural projects matching with local priority needs and focus more on impact rather than the quantity of money disbursed or the number of projects funded. International oil companies should change their engagement approach from a mere consultation to a realistic, democratic, and broad-based involvement of the publics. This study has enriched existing frameworks applied to evaluate business organisations’ contributions to local development.

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The Unexpected Rewards of Qualitative Research in Assessment: A Case Example

The Qualitative Report ◽

10.46743/2160-3715/2008.1599 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Penny Singh

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Qualitative Research ◽

Focus Group ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Tertiary Institutions ◽

Learning Opportunity ◽

Face To Face ◽

Oral Assessment ◽

Oral Component

This paper reports on the inclusion of an oral component of assessment in science at two tertiary institutions in South Africa. The purpose of this paper is not to report on the results of the assessments conducted, but to focus on some of the unexpected rewards of conducting qualitative research in assessment. Using focus group discussions within a qualitative framework allowed me insights into the thoughts and experiences of the students and assessors, making the benefits of oral assessment apparent. These benefits included how assessment can be used as a learning opportunity, the advantages of homogeneous versus heterogeneous groups, and the benefits of face-to-face interaction, all of which led to improved relationships between students and assessors.

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Cost-effectiveness of a stepwise intervention to promote adherence to cervical cancer screening

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz222 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 543-552

Author(s):

João Firmino-Machado ◽

Djøra I Soeteman ◽

Nuno Lunet

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Cervical Cancer Screening ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Effective Strategy ◽

Face To Face ◽

Provider Perspectives ◽

Phone Calls ◽

The Cost

Abstract Background Cervical cancer screening is effective in reducing mortality, but adherence is generally low. We aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a stepwise intervention to promote adherence to cervical cancer screening in Portugal. Methods We developed a decision tree model to compare the cost-effectiveness of four competing interventions to increase adherence to cervical cancer screening: (i) a written letter (standard-of-care); (ii) automated short message service text messages (SMS)/phone calls/reminders; (iii) automated SMS/phone calls/reminders + manual phone calls; (iv) automated SMS/phone calls/reminders + manual phone calls + face-to-face interviews. The main outcome measure was cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) measured over a 5-year time horizon. Costs were calculated from the societal and provider perspectives. Results From the societal perspective, the optimal strategy was automated SMS/phone calls/reminders, below a threshold of €8171 per QALY; above this and below €180 878 per QALY, the most cost-effective strategy was automated SMS/phone calls/reminders + manual phone calls and above this value automated SMS/phone calls/reminders + manual phone calls + face-to-face interviews. From the provider perspective, the ranking of the three strategies in terms of cost-effectiveness was the same, for thresholds of €2756 and €175 463 per QALY, respectively. Conclusions Assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of one time the national gross domestic product (€22 398/QALY), automated SMS/phone calls/reminders + manual phone calls is a cost-effective strategy to promote adherence to cervical cancer screening, both from the societal and provider perspectives.

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Striving against the ‘Nafs’

Journal of Religion in Europe ◽

10.1163/18748929-00801006 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 101-120

Author(s):

Mulki Mohamed Al-Sharmani

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Young Women ◽

Ethical Principles ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Individual Interviews ◽

Islamic Tradition

I analyze how Somalis in Helsinki re-interpret religious norms on marriage in light of: 1) the challenges of socioeconomic hardships and marginalization in Finland; and 2) ethical principles in Islamic tradition that underlie religious rulings such as striving against the selfishness of the ‘nafs’ (self) and seeking spiritual advancement. I examine how norms on spousal roles and rights are contested and reinterpreted. I highlight how young women, in particular, foreground the ‘ethical' in their religious understandings of marriage norms. I explore if Veit Bader’s1 concept of ‘internal religious governance’ can analytically explain these processes. I draw on data from individual interviews and focus group discussions with women and men; and interviews with mosque imams and a clan elder.

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Young Women's and Men's Different Worlds of Alcohol, Fear, and Violence in Focus Group Discussions with 18-Year-Olds in Stockholm

Contemporary Drug Problems ◽

10.1177/009145090603300102 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 3-27 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Maria Abrahamson

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Focus Group ◽

Young Women ◽

Young Men ◽

Point Of View ◽

The Other ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Other Hand ◽

Street Violence

The purpose of the paper is to investigate how young women and men in focus group discussions reason about alcohol, street violence, fear of assault by a stranger, and to compare the different kinds of threats that young women and men present of what might happen when they are out at night and on their way home. The interviews are analysed from the point of view of the accounts the young people give for their feelings and behaviors. The young women's accounts are dominated by their answers to an implicit question of blame for how they ensure their security and which measures they have taken. What the young women are afraid of is rarely formulated explicitly. It is implicit and goes without much saying. On the other hand the accounts the young men are giving for their actions consist of answers to the implicit question of blame for violence they have been involved in and also of blame for fear of violence. The young men's picture of threat is concrete and consists of other young men of the same age. By their accounts they show that fear of violence is something that has to be given an explanation. The young men use intoxication both as an excuse for the violence they are using and as an explanation to why violence occurs.

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