Acceptability of a Peer-Led Faith-Based Intervention to Improve Breast, Bowel and Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake Among UK Muslim Women: A Qualitative Evaluation

Abstract

Background

Early cancer detection through screening can improve treatment outcomes. However, screening uptake remains lower among some communities, including Muslim women, which puts them at risk of late diagnosis and poor outcomes. In 2020, we worked with 10 Scottish Muslim women to co-design a peer-led, faith-based and culturally tailored intervention to encourage uptake of breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening. The intervention was delivered twice online and qualitatively evaluated. The study was subsequently funded as a feasibility trial, and the intervention was delivered a further 16 times, both online and face-to-face. This paper reports findings from a qualitative evaluation exploring participants' perspectives on the acceptability and implementation of the intervention.

Methods

The intervention is a 2-h workshop comprising four components: (1) a peer-led cancer screening discussion, (2) a doctor-led health education session, (3) testimonials from Muslim women, and (4) an Islamic perspective delivered by a female religious scholar. In 2024, women participated in online or in-person workshops in North-East England and Scotland. After each workshop, women were invited to participate in focus groups or interviews to provide feedback on the workshop. Qualitative data collection and analysis were guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Data were analysed using the Framework Analysis method.

Results

A convenience sample of 36 women was recruited. Participants described the workshop's content as comprehensive and providing new information. The workshop's informal atmosphere and use of different delivery methods enhanced information attainment. They appreciated the use of interpreters, who assisted non-English speakers. Bringing a medical and Islamic perspective together was novel to participants and made the workshop more impactful. Participants expressed more positive attitudes towards screening after the intervention.

Conclusion

A peer-led, culturally-tailored and faith-based intervention for improving cancer screening uptake for Muslim women was deemed acceptable. However, more work is needed to assess the intervention's effectiveness and impact.

Patient or Public Contribution

The intervention was co-designed with 10 Muslim women. A public involvement group worked with the research team throughout the study; they provided their views on the intervention, recruitment, data collection and interpretation of findings. Some were trained as peer educators to help deliver the intervention. Two members of the community (FH and CS, who are also listed as authors) were also employed on the project as Community Recruitment Leads, facilitating participant recruitment and contributing to all stages of the research as valued members of the research team, ensuring the community's voice was embedded throughout.