Factors that affect participation of women on ART in cervical cancer  screening at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.

Chitete, Justice; Dakamau, Severia; Nyengo, Tusekile; Emily, Moyo

Factors that affect participation of women on ART in cervical cancer screening at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.

Date

2021-12-16

Authors

Publisher

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Abstract

Type of study The study will be descriptive, using qualitative methodology with semi-structured interviews. Qualitative approach will be ideal to help unearth factors that affect participation of women on ART in cervical cancer screening. Problem statement The Ministry of Health has implemented a cervical cancer control program (CECAP) in collaboration with its stakeholders. The CECAP has largely focused screening women with Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions with cryotherapy. Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) also started implementation of VIA and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions with cryotherapy. Since this implementation not much is known about issues affecting participation of HIV positive women in cervical cancer screening. Therefore, a study that aims at exploring factors affecting participation of HIV positive women in cervical cancer screening can highlight whether the program is working and what could be done to sustain and improve operations of the program. Objectives The study aims at exploring factors affecting participation of women on ART in cervical cancer screening at QECH. The study will assess perceptions of women on ART in cervical cancer screening and identify barriers which hinder women to cervical cancer screening. Methodology Study population will be HIV positive women attending ART clinic. Convenient sampling method will be used in selection of participants. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis framework. Expected Findings and their dissemination The study expects to gather views on factors affecting participation of women on ART in cervical cancer screening. Findings will be presented to faculty members, ART department at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and local conferences like College of Medicine Research Dissemination Conference. The research findings will also be submitted to COMREC and College of Medicine Library.