Barriers to the Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment among Rural Women in Ghana

Author:

Binka Charity1ORCID,Nyarko Samuel H.2ORCID,Awusabo-Asare Kofi3,Doku David T.3ORCID

Affiliation:

1. School of Public Service and Governance, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Achimota, Accra, Ghana

2. Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Hohoe, Ghana

3. Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

Background. This study sought to explore the barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment in the North Tongu district of Ghana. Methods. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted, while three focus group discussions were held among respondents. The data were analysed with the R package for qualitative data analysis using a thematic analytical approach. Results. Low level of knowledge about the disease and screening services, personal or psychological convictions, and cost of screening and treatment coupled with a low level of income were the barriers at the individual level. Perceived health personnel attitude, perceived lack of privacy, and misdiagnosis were the barriers at the institutional level while the sociocultural belief system of the communities about the etiology of the disease was the barrier at the community level. Inadequate education about the disease, lack of funding and access to screening facilities also constrained screening and treatment at the policy level. Conclusions. Cervical cancer screening and treatment are constrained at multiple levels in rural Ghana. This study underscores the need to address the low uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment at the individual, community, institutional, and policy levels simultaneously.

Publisher

Hindawi Limited

Subject

General Immunology and Microbiology,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,General Medicine

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