An Assessment of the Acceptability of Cervical Cancer Education Intervention Materials Among Healthcare Providers in Ghana

Abstract

Cervical cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Ghana. Previous studies have identified lack of awareness, lack of perceived susceptibility, and stigmatizing beliefs as significant sociocultural barriers to cervical cancer screening among Ghanaian women. The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability of evidence and theory-based, culturally relevant cervical cancer education intervention materials among Ghanaian healthcare providers. Central-location intercept questionnaires were completed by providers (n = 60) in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Providers reviewed a poster, an audio message, and a brief educational video. The variables assessed included the reaction to the materials, the ability of the materials to attract the attention of the intended audience, the ability of the materials to communicate the main point of the cancer education message, and the reaction to cultural characteristics of the materials. The mean age of the providers (n = 60) was 30.6 years, and the majority (70.8%) were females. Most of the providers had a positive general reaction to the poster, audio message, and video. The majority found the materials to be motivating. Most of the providers found the information in the materials to be attention-getting, interesting, useful, direct/to the point, and related to someone like them. Very few providers (5%) indicated that they were confused by the images or messages used in the materials. The culturally relevant cervical cancer education materials were acceptable to Ghanaian healthcare providers. These materials may be effective in shared decision-making for cervical cancer screening.