Perceptions and Experiences about Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment at Battor, Ghana

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Ghana and yet few studies have considered the psychosocial dimensions of the disease. The inadequacy of research is reflected in the lack of knowledge the general public. The main objective of this study was to explore the barriers to screening and treatment of cervical cancer among women in a rural setting in Ghana. The Socio-Ecological Model was used as the conceptual framework of the study. A qualitative design, using in-depth interview, focus group discussions as well as observation, was employed. Respondents consisted of cervical cancer patients, partners of cervical cancer patients, health personnel, women who have never been screened for cervical cancer as well as men from the study area. Interviews were transcribed and processed with the R Software package. The results revealed that patients had no knowledge of cervical cancer prior to being diagnosed. Those infected reported experiencing physical, psychological, economic and social disruptions to their lives due to the disease. Patients adopted personal, psychological and social coping strategies to manage the condition. Most male partners provided financial, social, material and emotional support to their spouses during the screening and treatment of the disease. The level of knowledge, attitude of health personnel, economic, socio-cultural and psychological factors were the main barriers to cervical promotion of positive attitude of health personnel can reduce the threat of cervical cancer in rural communities.