Women’s perception of cervical cancer pap smear screening

Abstract

Abstract Aim The study examines limiting factors associated with cervical cancer Pap smear screening among participants of reproductive age attending a healthcare facility in Namibia. Design A cross‐sectional descriptive and exploratory study was conducted. Methods The data were collected using a face‐to‐face interview (qualitative) and a structured questionnaire (quantitative). A total of 49 participants (10 qualitative and 39 quantitative) aged 17–45 years participated in the study. Results The study revealed that 80% of participants have limited knowledge of cervical cancer, while 49% have never done the test before and 8% were not informed of the screening and risk of the disease. Furthermore, 49% of participants responded that the screening fees are not affordable. Meanwhile, all participants (100%) complained of the long waiting period. Other main barriers for not screening were missed announcements and unsuitable time allocation. Knowledge on cervical cancer and turn‐up for Pap smear screening test was low among participants of reproductive age.

Keywords

• cervical cancer
• human papillomavirus
• pap smear
• reproductive age