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Cervical cancer awareness and screening in Botswana
Alicea M Mingo1, Catherine A Panozzo, Yumi Taylor DiAngi
1Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. mingo@email.unc.edu
Summary
Most women in Botswana desire cervical cancer screening, but awareness of causes like human papillomavirus is low. Interventions can increase screening uptake and cervical cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cervical cancer is a significant cause of mortality in developing nations, often due to limited Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening.
- Botswana faces high cervical cancer rates, necessitating a deeper understanding of women's perceptions and screening behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate women's beliefs and attitudes toward cervical cancer and Pap smear screening in Botswana.
- To identify factors influencing Pap smear uptake and explore barriers to screening.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving interviews with 289 women attending general medicine or HIV clinics in Gaborone, Botswana.
- Data collection occurred in January 2009, focusing on Pap smear history, awareness, and desire for screening.
Main Results:
- 72% of women reported ever having a Pap smear; HIV-positive women were more likely to be screened.
- Screening rates correlated with age, income, and prior knowledge of cervical cancer.
- Nearly all women desired Pap smears for health monitoring and early treatment, yet over half were unaware of cervical cancer's causes, including human papillomavirus.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight a strong desire for screening among Botswana women, indicating potential for increased uptake.
- Interventions should focus on enhancing cervical cancer awareness and education, particularly regarding causative factors like HPV.
- Addressing knowledge gaps and leveraging existing healthcare settings can improve cervical cancer prevention strategies.
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