Community perceptions on cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening

The researchers from Netherlands and UK, in collaboration with Ad-din hospital and LAMB hospital, investigated the awareness of, and the attitude towards screening for, cervical cancer in Bangladesh. We performed a qualitative study using Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The framework approach to qualitative analysis was used. The study was performed in the catchment areas of Addin hospital, Jessore, Southern Bangladesh (peri-urban) and LAMB hospital, Parbatipur, North West Bangladesh (rural). 220 men, women and adolescents participated in 28 FGD. Awareness of cervical cancer was widespread. Knowledge about causes was often inadequate. The perceived consequences of cervical cancer were numerous and awareness of the need for cervical cancer treatment was present. Barriers to accessing care include: low priority for seeking help for symptoms, limited availability of health services, and cost. Most women were unaware of the possibility of screening via speculum examination which was considered acceptable to women (and men), as long as the examination was done by a female health care provider in an environment with sufficient privacy.
Full text article available at:
http://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/719/1/Revised_Paper_Bangladeshtransact.pdf