Experiences of cervical cancer screening in HIV-positive women in Zimbabwe.
Patience C Mpata, Zethu Z Nkosi
PMID 34797107WHAT IT FOUND
HIV-positive women in Zimbabwe said they were more likely to screen when they had symptoms, feared dying for their children, had spouse support, trusted providers, and received information.
They wanted HIV and cervical screening combined and free cancer treatment.
Key findings
01Having signs or symptoms of cervical cancer facilitated screening.
02Access to information and trust in the health delivery system motivated some women to be screened.
03Women suggested integrating HIV care and cervical cancer screening and making cancer treatment free to increase screening.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Data were collected from only one health facility, so the views may not represent women in other Zimbabwean settings. Participants were adopters of cervical cancer screening, so the study did not capture why non-adopters do not screen. The authors state that examining differences between adopters and non-adopters would require a larger mixed-methods sample. The study did not investigate healthcare provider or policymaker perspectives.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that reminders, integrated HIV and cervical screening, or free cancer treatment will increase screening. These were participants' suggestions, not tested interventions, and the study was conducted in one clinic with women who had already screened.