Implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines to Prevent Cervical Cancer: Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

BackgroundCervical cancer is a common cause of death among women globally, particularly in Africa. Each year, an average of 7093 women in Nigeria die from cervical cancer. Clinical practice guidelines developed by the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Nigeria (SOGON) aim to prevent cervical cancer. However, the extent of their adoption among gynecologists remains unclear. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess Nigerian gynecologists’ awareness, understanding, and incorporation of the SOGON clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer prevention in their clinical practices. MethodsA convergent parallel mixed methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected via a web-based and in-person survey distributed to gynecologists attending the 57th SOGON Annual General Meeting in Kano, Nigeria (November 2023). A total of 105 gynecologists completed the survey (response rate: 80%). Key informant interviews (n=12) were conducted to provide qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression (P<.05). Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. ResultsAmong the 105 respondents (mean age 50, SD 8.3 y and mean postresidency practice 12, SD 9.4 y), 98 (93.3%) reported awareness of the SOGON guidelines, and 74 (70.5%) endorsed their importance for cervical cancer prevention. However, only 58.1% (61/105) of the respondents reported integrating the guidelines into routine clinical practice. Barriers to implementation included limited training (71/105, 67.6%), resource constraints (64/105, 60.9%), and lack of institutional support (57/105, 54.3%). Qualitative data reinforced the need for more tailored guidelines for high-risk populations and rural settings. In addition, 70.5% (74/105) of the respondents advocated for a participatory guideline review process to ensure relevance and feasibility. ConclusionsWhile awareness of the SOGON guidelines is high, their integration into clinical practice remains suboptimal due to systemic barriers. Strengthening training programs, improving access to resources, and enhancing institutional support are critical to increasing guideline adoption and advancing cervical cancer prevention efforts in Nigeria.