Evaluation of predictors for behavioral intentions to adhere to cervical cancer treatment among aged 25-49 years in Botswana.

Abstract

There is evidence of ongoing research and investment in Africa to improve vaccination, screening, and treatment for cervical cancer (Finocchario-Kessler , Wexler , Maloba , Mabachi , Ndikum-Moffor , Bukusi; 2016). However, the majority (54.6 %) of cervical cancer research in Africa focused on secondary prevention (i.e., screening). This is followed by studies focusing on primary prevention (23.4 %) of cervical cancer, particularly HPV vaccination. Finocchario-Kessler, etc (2016) records that research focusing on tertiary prevention, which is the treatment of cervical cancer, is at the lowest (17.6 %). It is vital that research focusing on tertiary prevention for women diagnosed with abnormal cervical tissue is given equal attention as a matter of urgency for the overall survival (OS) for women with locally advanced cervical cancer. Studies on adherence to treatment regimen and schedule for cervical cancer will inform the innovation and improvement efforts towards treatment adherence and follow-up of women diagnosed with abnormal cervical tissue.