Culture and religion as perceived challenges to early cervical cancer screening

Abstract

Early cervical cancer screening is crucial in the protection against cervical cancer because it allows healthcare providers to detect cancer and precursor lesions to facilitate appropriate treatment if detected at an early stage. This intervention thus prevents cancer from progressing to an advanced stage before it is diagnosed. The purpose of this study was to describe women’s perception regarding the effect that culture and religion have on their decision to utilise early cancer screening services in an attempt to recommend possible interventions to promote early screening. An exploratory and contextual qualitative design was utilised to explore this phenomenon within Mutasa district in Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe. Nonprobability convenience sampling was used to select women aged 18-49 years who attended the rural hospital from 1 May to 30 June 2018, and they received information letters and could volunteer to participate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between 27 September 2018 and 30 September 2018 until saturation was reached after 17 interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’s qualitative open-coding data analysis method. Five themes were identified, namely a lack of knowledge, stigmatisation, cultural beliefs and values, religion, and a lack of resources. Different categories underpinned the themes, and the categories were formed by grouping similar direct quotations from participants. Based on the study’s findings, recommendations for possible interventions focused on (1) how to improve knowledge, (2) address attitudes, (3) and take beliefs and cultural diversity into consideration, ultimately motivating or supporting women in utilising early cervical cancer screening services. The researcher will electronically share the research findings with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, and other technical and interested stakeholders. The research report will also be shared with the Ministry of Health at the district level. Platforms such as existing and planned Ministry of Health workshops, where different stakeholders involved in cervical cancer who have an interest in women’s health meet, will be targeted to share the findings. An ad hoc committee at the district level that include community leaders, ordinary members from the community, church (religious) leaders, educators, as well as representative from the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe should be formed to ensure that a holistic approach to health education can be shared in all health education material and awareness programmes. This measure will ensure that culture and religion are effectively addressed in health education.