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Cervical cancer and Pap smear screening in Botswana: knowledge and perceptions
1William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA. mcfarldi@bc.edu
International Nursing Review
|August 22, 2003
Summary
Cervical cancer knowledge and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test use are low among low-income women in Botswana. Barriers include poor knowledge, negative provider attitudes, and limited access to healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Cervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Botswana.
- Limited understanding exists regarding women's utilization of Papanicolaou (Pap) cervical smear tests in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the knowledge and beliefs surrounding cervical cancer and Pap smear tests among 30 women.
- Utilized the Health Belief Model to explore these perceptions.
Main Methods:
- Network sampling recruited women from diverse income levels.
- Data collection involved demographic questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
- Descriptive statistics and content analysis were employed for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Inadequate knowledge of cervical cancer and Pap smear tests was observed in low-income women.
- Pap smear utilization was notably limited among this demographic.
- Key barriers identified include insufficient knowledge, negative healthcare provider attitudes, and restricted access to medical professionals.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the need for targeted health education initiatives.
- Implications for health policy development are significant.
- The role of nurses in improving cervical cancer screening is emphasized.