Lay knowledge of cervical cancer in Manhiça district, Mozambique: a qualitative study

Perceived causes of cancer in a rural community of Ethiopia: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Although cancer incidence and mortality are rising in Ethiopia, lay and health professional perceptions of the disease remain limited.

OBJECTIVE

To explore perceptions of cancer, including its causes, signs and symptoms, and transmission within a rural community in Ethiopia.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study in four rural neighbourhoods of Butajira in central Ethiopia. Seven Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and six In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) were held with community members, women representatives, religious leaders and key informants using two interview guides (divided by method). Behaviour change theories and a community research framework were used to summarize the findings.

RESULTS

Across respondent categories and data collection methods, respondents described cancer or nekersa, which translates as 'an illness that cannot be cured', as serious and fatal. Cancer was further viewed as becoming more common and as underpinning more deaths particularly among women. Causes of cancer largely focused on individual behaviours namely mitch (referring to exposure to sunlight), poor personal hygiene and urinating on the ground/dirty areas. Almost all participants strongly related cancer to a wound that does not heal and entails a foul-smelling discharge. Bleeding and weight loss were other commonly mentioned complaints of cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Although cancer is known among rural communities in this area, misconceptions about cancer aetiology and conflation of the signs and symptoms of cancer versus other diseases merit health messaging. Our study calls for design research to determine how to culturally tailor educational materials and deliver health campaigns regarding cancer causes, signs and symptoms within this context.

Knowledge about Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening in Women with Cervical Cancer Attending Gynecological Services in Southern Mozambique

BACKGROUND

Mozambique has high rates of cervical cancer and cancer-related deaths among women. A high rate of refusal and low acceptance of treatment is observed among cervical cancer patients. The extent of their knowledge of the disease is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To assess knowledge about this disease (prevention, risk factors, and the possibilities of early diagnosis) in women with cervical cancer attended in gynecological services in Gaza province, Mozambique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study took place in the city of Xai-Xai at the Provincial Hospital of Xai-Xai (HPXX) in the southern province of Gaza (Mozambique). Non-probability convenience sampling was used. Eligible patients (women) aged 35-50 years, diagnosed with cervical cancer and followed at the HPXX in the second quarter of 2021 (n = 60), took part in the survey during their scheduled consultations. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS statistical software (version 16).

RESULTS

The study included 60 women, 39 (65%) HIV positive. More than half (55.0%) believed that having a single sexual partner was an effective form of prevention; 50.0% reported that excessive alcohol consumption and having many sexual partners could cause the disease, and 46.7% affirmed that having many children increased the risk. Thirty-eight (63.3%) women reported that early diagnosis of cervical cancer was important for receiving prompt treatment, and 54 (90.0%) said regular visits to the gynecologist were important for an early diagnosis. Thirty-five (58.3%) mentioned acetic acid screening as a diagnostic test.

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant gaps in awareness of cervical cancer among high-risk groups.

Factors associated with the intention to undergo Pap smear testing in the rural areas of Indonesia: a health belief model

Purposes

This study aimed to understand the influence of health beliefs, demographic factors, and health characteristics on the intention to undergo Pap smear testing among women in rural areas of Indonesia.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and 687 married women participated in the study. A convenience sampling was applied to recruit the participants from community health centres in a rural region in Indonesia. Self-reported data using the Health Beliefs Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test was collected to assess the health beliefs. Independent t-tests, simple logistic regressions, and a hierarchical logistic regression with 3 steps were run. Statistical significance for analysis was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 42 years (SD = 8.4). Among the participants, 81% of the women had never undergone a Pap smear test, and 61% (n = 422) of the women reported a high intention of receiving a Pap smear test. Income and education Health beliefs regarding Pap smear testing were different between women who had low and high intentions to undergo Pap smear testing. Health beliefs, such as perceived benefits, severity, barriers to Pap smear testing, and health motivation for a Pap smear test were associated with the intention to undergo Pap smear testing among rural Indonesian women. Overall, the hierarchical multiple regression with 3 steps containing demographic, health characteristics, and health belief variables accounted for 31% variance of the intention to undergo Pap smear test among the Indonesian rural women.

Conclusions

Low screening rates of cervical cancer and high intentions to do the screening exist among rural Indonesian women. Health beliefs significantly affect the rural women’s intention of Pap smear testing in Indonesia.

Cervical cancer is a leading cancer among women and a significant cause of mortality for females around the world, including Indonesia. Globally, the screening rate for cervical cancer among women in rural areas remains low. In Indonesia, the incidence and the mortality from cervical cancer remain high compared to other female cancers. The Indonesian government has offered a free Pap smear screening to women since 2014, but the screening rate is still low, around 28%.

A total of 687 married women were included in the study. Approximately 80% of Indonesian women living in rural areas have never undergone a Pap smear test, and 60% of women reported a high intention of receiving a Pap smear test. Education, income, previous experience of Pap smear testing, a friend with a history of cervical cancer, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and health motivations were significantly associated with the intention of Pap smear testing. Low screening rates of cervical cancer and high intentions toward the cervical cancer screening exist among rural Indonesian women. Health beliefs significantly affect the women’s intention of Pap smear testing.