| Abstrakt: |
Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women, especially those with HIV-positive status. Cervical screening is an important intervention in decreasing the prevalence of cervical cancer. Aim: To describe the barriers to and facilitators of to cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women attending a Ghanaian primary health care facility that offered antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Methodology: A qualitative multiple case study using purposive sampling was conducted. Transcripts were analysed using the directed approach to content analysis guided by constructs from the health belief model and theory of planned behaviour. Results: The study found that HIV-positive women had heard about screening, intended to seek screening, and were confident that screening would prevent them from getting cervical cancer. Financial challenges, low levels of knowledge about cervical cancer, and participants perceiving themselves as not being susceptible emerged as barriers. Conclusions: Programmes to intensify cervical cancer education among this vulnerable population are advocated in order to increase screening and improve the health of HIV-positive women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
