Challenges in delivery and performance of a cervical cancer prevention program in the Kurdistan Region of the Iraq health system

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2019-01, Vol.144 (1), p.80-84
• Main Authors: Rasul, Vian H., Moghdam, Zahra B., Karim, Muaf A., Cheraghi, Mohhammad A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Cervical cancer prevention; Early Detection of Cancer - methods; Female; Health Equity - statistics & numerical data; Health Services Accessibility; Health system gaps; Humans; Inductive content analysis; Iraq; Kurdish women; Kurdistan Region of Iraq; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - diagnosis; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - prevention & control
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12684

Objective To investigate health‐system challenges responsible for the poor performance of a cervical cancer prevention program in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Method A qualitative study was conducted among a purposive sample of healthcare providers and female volunteers in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, between December 10, 2014, and July 23, 2016. Data were collected from participants using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed with an inductive content analysis approach. Results In total, 23 individuals completed the interviews. The participants included 8 (35%) female volunteers; 5 (22%) nurses; 4 (17%) managers; 3 (13%) doctors; and 3 (13%) gynecologists. The health‐system challenges were classified into three main categories: existence of an official reminder system, public information delivery programs, and infrastructures of facilities, which included three subcategories—cervical cancer screening center, material resources, and human resources. Conclusions The Kurdistan Region of Iraq health system faced several challenges in delivering a cervical cancer prevention program. These challenges must be addressed to improve the coverage of cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq health system faces several challenges that must be addressed to ensure improved coverage of cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.