Views on cervical cancer screening among female caregivers at the Uganda cancer Institute

Patients admitted to Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) have their non-medical needs provided by caregivers called “attendants” who are predominantly female family members. This provides a unique opportunity to provide free screening among attendants during their free time at the hospital. The objective of this qualitative focus group study was to understand knowledge of and facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening among attendants at the UCI. The goal is to use these data to inform a future opportunistic intervention. Female attendants 25 years of age or older were included in this focus group study. The focus group discussions explored knowledge of cervical cancer and screening modalities, health information sources, barriers and facilitators for cervical cancer screening, and potential use of mobile phone technology to share cervical cancer screening information among one’s social community. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach and thematic analysis. Results showed moderate understanding of risk factors for cervical cancer, supplemented by misinformation. Knowledge of symptoms of advanced cervical cancer was high. Most participants were aware that cervical cancer screening exists but knew little about screening modalities. Responses were mixed regarding preferred information sources, and included healthcare workers and facilities, radio and family members. Participants were enthusiastic about mobile phone messaging to provide information about screening but emphasized a need to catch their attention and incentivize screening with promise of good such as sugar, demonstrating prioritization of immediate needs over future cancer risk. These results will inform an intervention which aims to connect female caregivers with free screening available at the adjacent cancer prevention clinic.