Knowledge, barriers and motivators to cervical cancer screening in Rwanda: a qualitative study
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Authors
Gafaranga, Jean Pierre
Manirakiza, Felix
Ndagijimana, Emmanuel
Urimubabo, Jean Christian
Karenzi, Irénée David
Muhawenayo, Esperance
Gashugi, Phophina Muhimpundu
Nyirasebura, Dancilla
Rugwizangoga, Belson
Issue Date
2022-09-01
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Cervical Cancer , Screening , Fear For Pain , Qualitative , Acceptance , Rwanda
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background:
Cervical cancer is a global public health problem with marked geographical disparity. High morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries are associated with low screening rates. In 2020, in Rwanda, 3.7 million women aged 15–59 years were at risk of developing cervical cancer, the most commonly diagnosed female cancer in Rwanda. Despite Rwanda being the first African country to vaccinate against human papilloma virus with a three-dose regimen vaccination coverage of nearly 93% in the target population of girls aged <15 years, and having established cervical cancer screening program, recent studies have found low screening rates. Our study sought to determine knowledge, motivators and barriers of cervical cancer screening.
Methods:
We conducted a qualitative descriptive study; using focus group interview in an urban health facility (Muhima district hospital) and a rural health center (Nyagasambu health center) offering cervical screening services in Rwanda. Participants were women seeking these services and other women attending the health facility for any reason, and female staff working in these facilities. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were analyzed using content analysis.
Results:
Thirty women participated in focus group interview, with an average age of 39 years. Many of women showed knowledge about cervical cancer existence and prevention methods. However, fear for pain, lack of knowledge about screening, how and where the screening was done, and concern for privacy were recurring subthemes. Some participants also mentioned lack of health insurance as a barrier for cervical cancer screening.
Conclusion:
Barriers to uptake cervical cancer screening services in Rwanda are related to poor information about cervical cancer and the importance of screening as well as non-adherence to medical insurance. Population sensitization through campaign and community outreach activities could have a positive impact on increasing the usage of cervical cancer screening in Rwanda.
Description
Citation
Gafaranga, J. P., Manirakiza, F., Ndagijimana, E., Urimubabo, J. C., Karenzi, I. D., Muhawenayo, E., Gashugi, P. M., Nyirasebura, D., & Rugwizangoga, B. (2022). Knowledge, Barriers and Motivators to Cervical Cancer Screening in Rwanda: A Qualitative Study. International journal of women's health, 14, 1191–1200. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S374487
Publisher
International Journal of Women's Health