Abstract
Session presented on: Tuesday, July 23, 2013:
Purpose: The study aimed to identify factors influencing Malawian women's intentions to use free cervical cancer screening services in order to enhance early detection and treatment. In Malawi, cervical cancer accounts for 28% of all female cancers and 80% of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed during the late inoperable phases.
Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 378 women aged 42 and older about their intentions to use cervical screening services.
Results: Most interviewed women regarded cervical cancer to be a serious condition but did not regard themselves to be at risk of suffering from cervical cancer. Lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and cervical screening, embarrassment, stigma, lack of social support, financial costs, transport problems and traditional practices influenced these women's intentions to use cervical cancer screening services.
Conclusion: More Malawian women could use free cervical cancer screening services if they were more knowledgeable, services were more accessible and efficient, and if health education efforts were directed at women aged 42 and older.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Cervical Cancer Screening, Malawi, Misconceptions
Recommended Citation
Ehlers, Valerie Janet; van der Wal, Dirk M.; and Hami, Melanie, "Women's cervical cancer screening intentions in Malawi" (2013). INRC (Congress). 190.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2013/presentations_2013/190
Conference Name
24th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Prague, Czech Republic
Conference Year
2013
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Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Women's cervical cancer screening intentions in Malawi
Prague, Czech Republic
Session presented on: Tuesday, July 23, 2013:
Purpose: The study aimed to identify factors influencing Malawian women's intentions to use free cervical cancer screening services in order to enhance early detection and treatment. In Malawi, cervical cancer accounts for 28% of all female cancers and 80% of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed during the late inoperable phases.
Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 378 women aged 42 and older about their intentions to use cervical screening services.
Results: Most interviewed women regarded cervical cancer to be a serious condition but did not regard themselves to be at risk of suffering from cervical cancer. Lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and cervical screening, embarrassment, stigma, lack of social support, financial costs, transport problems and traditional practices influenced these women's intentions to use cervical cancer screening services.
Conclusion: More Malawian women could use free cervical cancer screening services if they were more knowledgeable, services were more accessible and efficient, and if health education efforts were directed at women aged 42 and older.