Knowledge, Practices, and Perceptions of the Healthcare Providers on Cervical Cancer Screening Among HIV-Positive Women at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira City.

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a global burden and is by far one of the major causes of premature death among women of reproductive age. We explored the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of healthcare providers on cervical cancer screening (CCS) among HIV-positive women aged 18-49 years in Lira City. Methods: In June 2023, a qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare providers at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH), Lira City, Northern Uganda. Key informant interviews (KIIs) were used to collect data among purposively selected healthcare providers. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using the NVivo (QSR International) software. Thematic content analysis was used in data analysis. Results: The study found that participants had good knowledge about cervical cancer and screening. They provided health education and vaccination for eligible girls and screened HIV-positive women for cervical cancer. Long waiting hours, long distances to healthcare facilities, and negative attitudes of some health providers were reported as barriers to CCS utilization. However, increased awareness, the presence of signs/symptoms, and the desire to maintain optimal health facilitated CCS utilization among HIV-positive women. Conclusion: Whereas the participants' knowledge and perceptions about CCS were good, their practices towards CCS among HIV-positive women were suboptimal. Continuous education of healthcare providers, decentralization of CCS, and routine and ongoing health education initiatives are pivotal in improving CCS practices among HIV-positive women.