Motivations and preferences of rural Nigerian women undergoing cervical cancer screening via visual inspection with acetic acid

Abstract Objective To determine the motivations and preferences of women participating in visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) mass cervical cancer screening programs in southeastern Nigeria. Methods By means of interviewer-based questionnaires, data were collected from women participating in ma...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2013-03, Vol.120 (3), p.262-265
Main Authors: Chigbu, Chibuike O, Onyebuchi, Azubuike K, Ajah, Leonard O, Onwudiwe, Elijah N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acetic Acid
Adult
Early Detection of Cancer - methods
Early Detection of Cancer - utilization
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Mass Screening - methods
Mass Screening - utilization
Middle Aged
Motivation
Motivations
Nigeria
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Patient Preference
Residence Characteristics
Rural Population
Social Support
Surveys and Questionnaires
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - diagnosis
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - prevention & control
Visual inspection with acetic acid
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Summary:Abstract Objective To determine the motivations and preferences of women participating in visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) mass cervical cancer screening programs in southeastern Nigeria. Methods By means of interviewer-based questionnaires, data were collected from women participating in mass cervical cancer screenings with VIA in 3 randomly selected communities in each of 2 southeastern Nigerian states between March 1, 2011, and March 31, 2012. Results A total of 2312 women were interviewed. Support from husband and community opinion leaders were the most frequently reported factors that motivated the women to participate in the screening. Most participants expected an immediate result for the screening test and immediate treatment for any abnormalities detected. Conclusion Community-based advocacy for cervical cancer screening is a very effective method of creating awareness for cervical cancer screening. Support from spouses and community leaders are important factors in a woman's decision to utilize cervical cancer screening services in southeastern Nigeria. Immediate results and treatments would make the most impact. Family and community participation should be integrated into cervical cancer prevention programs. This, together with a “see and treat” approach, may be central to overcoming the poor utilization of cervical cancer screening services in Nigeria and similar rural settings.
ISSN:0020-7292
1879-3479
DOI:10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.10.011