Attitudes and barriers to intervention research targeted at improving cervical cancer screening uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa: A survey of researchers’ perspectives

Abstract

Background

Cervical cancer remains a major public health crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa, partly due to low screening rates. Despite the need for intervention research to inform strategies to increase screening participation, limited research has explored the specific challenges faced by researchers conducting intervention research on cervical cancer screening in this region. This study examined researchers’ attitudes and perceived barriers to conducting intervention research aimed at enhancing cervical cancer screening uptake in the region. The study also identified factors associated with endorsing a higher number of barriers.

Methods

An online survey was conducted among researchers who had published studies on cervical cancer screening in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2020. Data on attitudes, perceived barriers, sociodemographic and research experience characteristics were collected. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis were used to analyse data.

Results

One hundred and fifty-seven researchers from 17 sub-Saharan African countries completed the survey (response rate: 26.5 %). Most participants acknowledged the necessity of increasing intervention research to improve screening uptake. Common perceived barriers included insufficient funding (89 %), slow ethical and regulatory approvals (61 %), and challenges in measuring screening uptake (57 %). Less experienced researchers were more likely to endorse a greater number of barriers.

Conclusions

Researchers recognised the importance of intervention research to improve cervical cancer screening uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, they faced significant barriers, particularly relating to funding, regulatory processes, and measurement challenges. Researchers with less experience in research perceived more barriers, indicating a need for targeted support.

Policy summary

A coordinated response is required to address these barriers. Priorities include investing in context-specific research, streamlining ethics and regulatory processes, enhancing early-career researcher training, and establishing dedicated funding for intervention studies. Future efforts should focus on country-specific research, regional ethics harmonisation, and sustainable capacity-building initiatives.