'I was able to make a better decision about my health.' Wāhine experiences of colposcopy at a marae-based health clinic: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Equitable access to colposcopy services is required if we are to realise the benefit of the introduction of human papilloma virus (HPV) screening in Aotearoa New Zealand. We piloted a community colposcopy clinic, co-located at an urban marae health clinic.

AIM

To describe the experiences of wāhine (women) attending the marae-based colposcopy clinic.

METHODS

An in-depth reflexive thematic analysis from 34 people's accounts was undertaken.

RESULTS

Five themes were identified from the experiences of wāhine attending the clinic. Three themes related to how having a local clinic supported access: everyone was welcoming and friendly, the environment was familiar and non-clinical and the clinic was accessible. The fourth theme related to how this contributed to agency. A fifth theme relates to wāhine views about informing the ongoing provision of colposcopy services. The experiences reflected the principles and values practised at the marae health clinic. Wāhine described feeling cared for as soon as they entered the clinic. As the clinic was local, and for some based at their marae, it was a known space where they knew the experience would be safe. Whānau were welcome with spaces for children to play. Being local meant there were fewer logistics to manage, all of which supported access.

DISCUSSION

Prioritising wāhine through the provision of culturally safe and accessible colposcopy is feasible. It has the potential to contribute to the elimination of cervical cancer in Aotearoa, New Zealand.